LIVERPOOL -- Steven Gerrard says he has no divine right to get a job coaching or managing Liverpool because of his glorious career as a player at the club.
The Liverpool captain is set to make his final appearance at Anfield against Crystal Palace on Saturday before he joins the LA Galaxy in the summer.
And Gerrard, who is preparing for a future in coaching, has admitted he would love to return to Liverpool but feels he has to earn a job at the club, rather than being given one on his reputation.
The 34-year-old, who has scored 185 goals in 708 games for Liverpool, captained their 2005 Champions League-winning side and also won the Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
"I have got ambitions to stay in the game," he said in a news conference. "I am taking my UEFA coaching badges and looking to progress up that ladder. But to take a role at this club, you have to be good enough first and foremost.
"You can't take one on ambition or name. You would be naïve to take one just because you are Steven Gerrard and had a good career on the pitch. If in a couple of years' time there is a role on offer where I think I can contribute and good enough, I will certainly consider it."
Gerrard has played under Gerard Houllier, Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers in his 17-year Liverpool career and said he has learned lessons from each which he could use.
"I would take bits and bobs from them all," he added. "If I ever become a manager would want to do it my way and take bits from them all. I have been very lucky to work with some fantastic ones over years.
"I have had a fantastic three years with Brendan. I wish I'd met him earlier in the career and feel if I had, I would be talking with more trophies.
"Kenny was fantastic, the idol of my dad. Roy Hodgson didn't work out but I have a good relationship with him. I shared Istanbul with Rafa Benitez and he improved me tactically as well."