Former Liverpool team-mate says Gerrard made him ‘nervous’

Jose Enrique says former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard used to make him “nervous” and it’s “not surprising” to see him doing so well at Rangers.

Gerrard has led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title since 2011 this season, while he guided them to the last 16 in the Europa League.

They are 26 points clear of Celtic in the Premiership and the aim will now be that they win the title again next campaign.

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Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool during his playing career and there is an expectation that he will replace Jurgen Klopp when he eventually leaves Anfield.

And former team-mate Enrique “believes” he will be Liverpool manager “one day” after seeing him operate at close quarters.

“Whatever good things happen to Stevie in life he deserves,” Enrique told talkSPORT. “He’s the example that every single young player in the world should follow.

“One of the most humble men I know in football and the only player in my career who made me nervous when I started. I still talk to him quite a lot and I’m so happy for him.

“Obviously, he knows a lot about the game and I was sure he was going to do well as a manager.

“How do you do well as a manager? Being a footballer and a manager are two completely different worlds. He was a captain so already a leader in the dressing room. To see him do so well is not surprising but at the same time it is.

“What he’s doing in Scotland is amazing because Celtic were at the top for a long time and what he’s done this season has been incredible.

“I believe he’s going to become Liverpool manager one day. Lots of Liverpool fans want him as soon as possible but I say keep Klopp for as long as possible.”

Gerrard has had some testing times in his career as both a footballer and a manager but he’s always showed good ‘bouncebackability’ and the former Liverpool midfielder says it’s good to talk about the lows.

“Being a player it’s not always fantastic or enjoyable,” said Gerrard recently. “The journey takes you to some really high places in terms of winning stuff but it also takes you to some cruel lows.

“What I will say is I’m quite mentally strong in terms of bouncing back. I’ve accepted that being a player or manager is a journey of highs and lows.

“You have to deal with the bad days as well as the good and have that bouncebackability to use setbacks in your life to make you stronger.

“But there’s no doubt about it, I’ve had some low days during my career. From a personal point of view, I’ve also had setbacks in life to do with family members and stuff. The key to it all is never keep it in.

“Always try to have people around you who you can talk to and share problems with. I think that always helps you get back in a better place. That’s what I’ve learned from experience.”