Barton questions whether Gerrard can be a good coach

Matt Stead

Joey Barton is not sure whether “novice” Steven Gerrard will be a success as a football coach.

Gerrard brought his successful playing career to an end last month, announcing his retirement after almost two decades.

The 36-year-old is now expected to move into coaching, with the former midfielder stating that he will clarify his future “very soon”.

Many expect the Anfield legend to be offered a coaching role at Liverpool, but Barton is undecided as to whether he is suited to such a position.

“We’ve got to be careful as footballers,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Just because we’ve played the game, sometimes we’ve got a blinkered view on it.

“I deal with young players now and I speak to players, and the days of shouting and bawling – the old-school way where someone gives you a rocket at half-time and you respond to it – it’s a totally different landscape out there now.

“There’s a lot of mollycoddling, there’s more coaching expertise.

“Steven Gerrard could well become a top football manager in the future, but he’s a novice.”