Steven Gerrard a Liverpool role model, says Jamie Carragher
Saturday 16 May 2015 07:58, UK
Ahead of Steven Gerrard’s last home game for Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Saturday Night Football, Jamie Carragher gives his thoughts on the Anfield great.
The midfielder will call time on his 17-year senior Liverpool career at the end of the season as he prepares for a new chapter with LA Galaxy.
With a Champions League win in 2005 among Gerrard's career highlights, Sky Sports' football expert Carragher reflects on the man who will go down in Liverpool folklore...
How were the emotions after that night in Istanbul?
It was a massive moment. He was instrumental in that comeback – played three or four different positions in the game. One of the best performances you’ll ever see in a Champions League final. He ended up virtually at right-back in extra time, and it was a real captain’s performance, as you’d expect.
To be honest, the emotions were probably more disbelief, really, at what we’d achieved, and he was right in the middle of it.
What has he meant for the younger players at Liverpool?
He’s always been a huge example to everyone at the club, but especially young players coming through the club because he’s a local player. He’s come through the ranks and done what they all want to do – be a hero for Liverpool, be the top man. That’s what every young kid in the academy wants to be. I’m sure they all want to be Steven Gerrard – that’s an example really.
Whenever young players come through there he’s always the reference point. The young lads want to speak to him, pick his brains. He’s been a huge example and a huge help to players.
He’s a figurehead, an example – he leads by example in his performances. Not every player can match those, but they can match his character, his spirit.
How did he feel about media duties?
I think he dealt well with it. He always spoke up. He was captain of England so was expected to do plenty of media work. It’s part of the job. He’s always spoken well and been a great ambassador.
He always wants to win – he’s very competitive. You see that in his press conferences. He’s very serious about his football. He likes a laugh and a joke, but what he’s done over the last 17 years for Liverpool has meant a lot to him.
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Will not winning the league be a regret?
He would have liked to have won the Premier League, like I would have done. It just wasn’t to be. It’s a team not individual sport, though, so you rely on your team-mates as well. He can’t complain at what he’s achieved in his career – for England, for Liverpool, how he’s been seen around the world.
He’s a local boy playing for the local club, but what he’s dragged the team to at times has been outstanding. We’d all want more, but every player can do more. What that lad’s achieved is probably beyond his wildest dreams when he started playing football as a kid.
Were there any managers who particularly influenced him?
His first manager was Gerard Houllier and he was a huge help for him. He brought him on when he was a young player, and on and off the pitch he was a great help, not just with Stevie but with a lot of young players within the squad.
Rafa Benitez took him on to another level again with the Champions League, playing different positions, and his understanding of the game. I think Stevie – like me – wouldn't say this manager or that manager. You always take the best of every manager. You don’t criticise them. You play your best for Liverpool Football Club.
He’ll have taken things from all the managers – Brendan Rodgers now, Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson. He had a good relationship with him, at England as well.
How will he be remembered?
What he did in 2005 and 2006, they’re his defining moments for Liverpool that people will be talking about in 20, 30 years’ time.
To do it 12 months later in another cup final – the FA Cup against West Ham – probably as a bigger influence even than Istanbul, that goal will go down as one of, if not the greatest – maybe up there with Ricky Villa’s goal in terms of memories of great goals in cup finals.
Watch Steven Gerrard's last game for Liverpool at Anfield when they take on Crytal Palace, live on Saturday Night Football from 5pm, Sky Sports 1 HD.
