Liverpool’s history is packed with great players, but Steven Gerrard’s name stands tall. The former captain, who won nine trophies with the Reds, is one of the club’s all-time legends. Known for his passion, leadership, and unforgettable moments, like the 2005 Champions League miracle Gerrard gave everything for Liverpool.
But what was he like behind the scenes?
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones recently shared some eye-opening stories about Gerrard’s no-nonsense approach during training.
Speaking to Optus Sport, Jones revealed how Gerrard didn’t tolerate anything less than 100% effort.
“At Liverpool, there were no easy days. We hardly ever got a day off. If you had a bad day, you were basically thrown aside. It was brutal. If Gerrard didn’t think you were good enough or giving your all, he’d let you know,” Jones said.
Gerrard’s leadership wasn’t just about his magic on the pitch—it was also about pushing his teammates to be their best. His tough love approach made sure only the strongest survived in his plans.
Jones, who didn’t have the most successful stint at Liverpool, also shared a funny story about his first meeting with current manager Jürgen Klopp.
“I was driving back to training when I saw Klopp leaning against a minivan, smoking. I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’ I was sure he didn’t even know who I was. But as I walked over to shake his hand, he gave me a big hug and said, ‘Come in for training,’” Jones recalled.
That first meeting might have been relaxed, but Jones quickly learned how intense Klopp’s training sessions could be.
“It was a cool moment, but those sessions were something else. I’ve never run so much in my life! It was full-on, especially since it was pre-season,” he said.
These stories show the different styles of leadership at Liverpool over the years. Gerrard’s tough training methods and Klopp’s high-energy approach both left a big impact on the players, shaping the club’s success in different ways.
Whether it was Gerrard’s no-nonsense attitude or Klopp’s infectious energy, one thing is clear: Liverpool’s leaders have always demanded the best. And that’s why the Reds remain one of the biggest clubs in the world.
