Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Steven Gerrard: Liverpool youngsters must be 'world-class' to succeed

New Liverpool under-18s coach Steven Gerrard has explained how his young players will need to be "world-class" if they are to make the step up and become first-team regulars.

Following a restructuring at Liverpool's Kirkby academy, Gerrard begins his role later this summer, replacing Neil Critchley, who will now take charge of the U23s.

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard, who returned to the academy in a floating coaching role in February, is adamant that ability alone will not necessarily lead to opportunities in the senior setup.

"There's a lot of talent, a lot of talent, but I've said it before and I'll say it again: to play for Liverpool's first team, you've got to be world-class," he told the club's official website.

"I think it's changed -- I think 10 to 15 years ago, you could play for Liverpool's first team if you were very good. You can't do that anymore because the players that are there are world-class, so to move someone out of the way and become a regular, you've got to be world-class.

"You've got to be world-class every day; the values of our club will never change, so I am not going to come in and try and change any of the values. It'll be more of the same, but trying to tell them that every single day you've got to be obsessed to play for Liverpool's first team.

"We've got a job to do and that's to try and push them and get every single bit of effort and determination. We've got to try and push them to give them a little bit more, but we're in good shape and we've got some really, really good footballers in there and I am really looking forward to helping them if I can."

Preparations for the new U18s campaign will begin in early July when the players first report for preseason training.

"On July 3 they're in for testing, so we'll probably get on the pitch on the 4th or the 5th. It can't come quick enough," Gerrard added. "I am really, really excited and we'll see how it goes. I can't wait to get my teeth into it.

"We made a plan at the end of last season, so everyone has a schedule for the first month and it's all done. I am lucky because I have a backroom team that are very, very good and they've all helped me put it into place. I can't wait for it."

Meanwhile, Tom Culshaw (assistant coach), Neil Edwards (goalkeeping coach), Scott Mason (analyst) and Jordan Milsom (rehab fitness coach) will form part of Gerrard's backroom staff.

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