Glad someone as respected as you said it first. We've forgotten how kids used to shrink when he was on the pitch. Conversely when you are that talented it must have been hard for him when those around him weren't as good ( esp when hed had peers at his level). Hopefully he can nurture the good in the young uns.
Yep, there are reasons why top draw players don't often make it as top coaches/managers. Perhaps it's because they find it difficult to work with players who aren't up to their own high standards, can't do the things they themselves took for granted. However, all the stories I've read about him taking newcomers under his wing and helping them settle at Liverpool bodes well.
Also what I like about this appointment is that it's an obvious apprenticeship, he hasn't been given a specific role either in coaching terms or with a particular group in the setup. A chance to find out what kind of coach he is, what he is good at and what he isn't. All good.
I'm not sure I'd want Xabi back as well, though. If history is anything to go by, Xabi would be put at the centre of things and Stevie moved to the side of the pitch to sulk
Seriously though, could you imagine having two young, eager coaches who know the club and have experience working under the likes of Houllier, Rafa, Kenny, Capello, Pellegrini, Mourinho (!), Pep, Ancellotti, Aragones and Del Bosque. That's some CV.
