LIVERPOOL fans are convinced Steven Gerrard is the heir apparent to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield — with their contracts set to expire on the same day.
Both the Rangers gaffer and the Anfield boss confirmed new deals within hours of each other and the Reds faithful reckon the stars are aligning.
The pair have signed new 4½ year contracts, ending in 2024.
One Liverpool fan tweeted: “Both signing and announcing contract extensions till 2024, you would almost think the plan was for Gerrard to take over from Klopp when the contracts expire.”
Another said: “Klopp and Gerrard both sign contracts until 2024 on the same day. Things are starting to line up.”
One Reds supporter tweeted: “Stevie G’s signed a contract extension to 2024 just like Jurgen. I’d be happy for Pep Lijnders to be given a go if Gerrard is not the finished article by then.”
An eagle eyed fan noticed the significance of the date — with the announcement coming almost exactly 60 years after Bill Shankly arrived on Merseyside.
He tweeted: “Might be mistaken but isn’t [it] 60 years to the day since Bill Shankly signed as a manager of #LFC. 60 years on the 2nd best Liverpool manager ever extends his contract until 2024. What a day.”
The German, 52, was clearly delighted after the club announced he had signed a new deal on Merseyside.
He said: “For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve.
“When I see the development of the club and the collaborative work that continues to take place, I feel my contribution can only grow.
“People see what happens on the pitch as a measure of our progress and although it is the best measure, it’s not the only measure.
“I have seen the commitment from ownership through to every aspect and function of the club you can think of.
60 YEARS SINCE SHANKLY ARRIVED
“When the call came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other; if anything, now I feel I underestimated that.
“It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024.”
Gerrard was equally effusive about his stay at Ibrox.
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He said: “I’m delighted to be extending my stay at this fantastic football club.
“When Dave King approached me about the possibility of extending my contract with Rangers, it was a very easy decision to make because I’m very happy and feel that we are building something special together at the club.
“I’d like to thank the board for the backing they have given me already in my time at the club and also most importantly, the Rangers fans who have given me and the team such tremendous backing both this season and last.”
Eagle-eyed fans noticed Klopp’s new deal was confirmed almost exactly 60 years after Bill Shankly arrived at LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is happy to stay at the club as he signs new five-year contract
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
