sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

EXCLUSIVE: John Arne Riise Backs Former Teammate Steven Gerrard To Replace Jurgen Klopp At Liverpool

EXCLUSIVE: John Arne Riise Backs Former Teammate Steven Gerrard To Replace Jurgen Klopp At Liverpool

John Arne Riise is tipping Steven Gerrard to return to Liverpool as manager.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

John Arne Riise has backed his former teammate Steven Gerrard to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Gerrard has just won the first trophy of his managerial career after guiding Rangers to a first league title since 2011, ending Celtic's domestic dominance in stunning fashion.

The former Liverpool captain has done a stellar job at Ibrox and already many feel as though it's inevitable that he will return to Anfield in a managerial capacity.

He previously learnt his trade as manager of the club's Under 18's before embarking on first-team management in Glasgow and Riise, who won the 2005 Champions League with Gerrard, believes he will be the next manager of the Merseyside outfit.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"I think when [Jurgen] Klopp decides to leave Liverpool in one, two, three or four years, he will be the next one," he told SPORTbible.

"It's going to be very strange if he doesn't take it or doesn't get offered the job when Liverpool need a new manager.

"He is 'Mr Liverpool' and there's not many jobs in the world bigger than getting the Liverpool job. People can say he needs experience and he hasn't been at the level yet but Stevie G is a winner, he's always been a winner as the captain of Liverpool.

"He'll be ready and I hope and think he gets offered the job when Klopp decides to part ways."

Rangers have accrued an impressive 88 points after 32 games, remaining unbeaten and conceding just nine goals in the league.

Image: PA
Image: PA

They've also been in fine form in the Europa League, where they face Slavia Prague in the round of 16 this month.

Gerrard's success with this Rangers team has not surprised Riise, who has hailed his drive and work ethic.

He added: "I've been in contact with him since he took over and I knew Stevie was always go into management, Jamie Carragher was always going to be a pundit - I knew that from being with them for seven years.

"Stevie has always been someone who works his a**e off, he works so hard when it comes to being a football player but also as a manager.

"He's a winner and he doesn't like to be a failure. It's a massive achievement - the steps he's taken since he took over Rangers.

"And the way they won it; they haven't lost yet in the league. It's massive and I'm very happy for him.

"I'm not surprised because I knew he was going to be successful but it's unbelievable the great work he's done."

Watch every UEFA Champions League game exclusively live on BT Sport, including Liverpool v RB Leipzig from 7pm this Wednesday on BT Sport 2. Sign up contract free with a BT Sport Monthly Pass for just £25 per month. For more info visit bt.com/sport.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Liverpool, Football, Jurgen Klopp, Steven Gerrard, John Arne Riise, Rangers