Gerrard: 'Jurgen's always got time for me'
The former Liverpool icon has praised the impact of the club's current boss on his fledgling managerial career.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed the extensive help that he received from Jurgen Klopp during his early time as a coach at Liverpool.
Upon his retirement from playing in 2016, Gerrard stepped into youth coaching at Liverpool's academy, before embarking on his first role as a senior manager at Rangers this summer.
In a recent interview with the 'Guardian', Gerrard spoke of the influence that the German has had so far on his managerial career.
The former England midfielder said: "I was like a sponge, watching and learning.I watch him on TV and see how he handles situations. I could never be Jurgen with his charisma and energy. But if I can take a few things from him it will be such a help. And if I text, call or see him, Jurgen's always got time for me."
Gerrard continued:"Jurgen's really good at switching off. When the game is on he's very emotional but once it's over he can park the emotion. That's why he's so good at handling the pressure. After cup finals and a big setback he'll be the one to start the party."
Gerrard also spoke about his current side's progress; Rangers return to action after the international break, as they host Livingston, before another crunch Europa League clash with Villarreal four days after.
Rangers sit third in the Scottish Premier League table, two points off champions and rivals, Celtic, and the same amount behind second placed Hearts. Gerrard's side have made an encouraging start to the campaign, and are firm title candidates in only his first season in charge.
Liverpool legend Gerrard added: "Rangers are like Liverpool in many ways.The city, the people's love for the club and the pressures are the same. I wasn't expecting the Rangers offer. Do I think it came a bit early? Probably. But when it's a club as big as Rangers you only get one opportunity to manage them."