Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has revealed his intention to undergo coaching qualifications and aim for a career in football management, but only when he calls time on his international career.
Having reached a century of appearances for his country against Sweden on Wednesday, the 32-year-old is not contemplating retiring from his England duties just yet but admits he is seriously assessing what options are available to him when that time comes.
“I’m going to go into my coaching badges after my England days are over and when I’ve got the time,” Gerrard told the Football Association’s official website.
“When the international breaks are on, I’ll go and do my coaching badges and we’ll see where it goes.”
Gerrard understands that his achievements on the pitch will not determine his success as a coach or manager, and will have no qualms about walking away if he feels out of place in the dugout.
“I’ve always said I’ll only become a coach or a manager if I’m good enough,” he explained.
“I don’t think you go down that road because you’ve been a decent player. That’s a mistake that a lot of footballers have made.
“Only go down that road if you’re good enough. You have to try it, get your badges first and make sure you’re comfortable and have your own belief in your own knowledge of the game.”