Pundit Paul Merson has tipped the newly appointed Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard to take over from Jurgen Klopp next summer at Anfield.
Gerrard was confirmed as the successor to Dean Smith at Villa Park after days of speculation which had surrounded the latter’s sacking with the Midlanders in deep trouble at the bottom end of the league standings.
His success with Scottish champions Rangers has made Gerrard a favourite to take Aston Villa back to their previous highs in Premier League football with the Anfield hero seen by many as a future Liverpool manager.
Paul Merson reckons Gerrard will be the frontrunner to take charge of his former side should Jurgen Klopp leave the club next summer with Merson not ruling out such a strange turn of events to unfold in the next nine months.
In his column for The Daily Star, the Aston Villa job has been branded a stepping stone for the 41-year-old Gerrard who will have the Liverpool appointment in his sights on his return to England’s top flight, according to Merson.
“Aston Villa is a stepping stone to Liverpool for Steven Gerrard.
And if things go his way he could even be at Anfield this time next year. Stranger things have happened.
Gerrard will be Liverpool manager one day. He is on the right path. I’m sure that’s his aim. He will have a plan. This is part of the journey.
Sitting here today you would you think he’s got no chance of being Liverpool manager next season.
But things change quickly in football. If you’d said to me this time last year that Dean Smith would be out of a job I’d have said no chance.
It’s all about timing. If Liverpool start next season badly or Jurgen Klopp wakes up morning and decides to walk away, who else are they going to go for?”
