‘It’s always encouraging to see a team getting results and building momentum’: Steven Gerrard says about Singapore football
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes Singapore football can continue developing by giving young players more opportunities to grow and test themselves.
Speaking to MS News ahead of his Singapore visit in early October, the former England captain said recent results against strong regional opponents were “certainly something to build on”.
Gerrard will be in town for the inaugural Beyond the Pitch at Resorts World Sentosa on 4 and 5 Oct.
Source: World Football Legends website
Steven Gerrard says Singapore football needs pathway for young players
The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager was asked about Singapore’s football scene, including the Lions’ recent performances in the ASEAN Championship.
Singapore progressed from a challenging group at the recent ASEAN Championship before narrowly losing 4-3 on aggregate to seven-time champions Thailand in the semi-finals.
Gerrard told MS News: “It’s always encouraging to see a team getting results and building momentum.”
“Beating a strong side like Thailand and reaching the semi-finals is certainly something to build on.”
Source: ASEAN United FC
The Lions had also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship, where they lost 5-1 on aggregate to eventual champions Vietnam.
Source: Football Association of Singapore
At the time of writing, Singapore ranks 146th on the FIFA World Ranking and 6th in the ASEAN region.
However, Gerrard said FIFA rankings were not the main thing he would focus on when assessing a team’s development.
Rankings are rankings. For me, what matters is whether you are improving, whether the players believe in what they are doing and whether there’s a pathway for young players coming through.
He added that developing football takes time.
“You need good coaches, good facilities and, importantly, you need to give young players opportunities to play, develop and test themselves.”
Gerrard also said he was keen to learn more about Singapore football during his visit.
He told MS News that “it will be interesting to hear about the work that’s being done and the ambitions for the future”.
Gerrard to meet Singapore fans at football clinic and Gala Dinner
Gerrard will make his first trip to Singapore this October.
The former Liverpool captain said he was looking forward to meeting the club’s local supporters, given Liverpool’s “massive” following here.
Source: Steven Gerrard on Facebook
“When you travel around the world, you really see the reach of the club and what it means to people,” he said.
“Liverpool supporters have always been incredible with me. I never take that for granted.”
The Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic will take place at Resorts World Sentosa on 4 Oct.
Participants will get to take part in interactive coaching sessions, followed by a Q&A session, and photograph and autograph opportunities with Gerrard.
That evening, he will also headline the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner.
The event will feature an “In Conversation with Steven Gerrard” session covering his career, captaincy, leadership and defining moments.
Gerrard wants young players to enjoy football
Gerrard said his focus at the football clinic will not simply be about teaching technical skills.
“For me, it’s about giving people a genuine experience,” he said.
“At the football clinic, I want everyone to enjoy themselves.”
Source: Kris Flyer Experiences website
He hopes to share lessons from his own career while ensuring young players continue to enjoy the sport.
“Football has got to be enjoyable, especially for young players,” he said.
At the Gala Dinner, Gerrard said he would share stories about his career with Liverpool and England, as well as lessons on leadership.
He also intends to discuss the setbacks he encountered throughout his career.
“It’s not always about the good moments,” he told MS News. “You learn a lot from the difficult ones as well.”
Gerrard hopes to try chicken rice during first Singapore trip
When asked about dishes he hoped to try on this trip, Gerrard admitted to MS News that he does not know enough about Singaporean food to recommend dishes himself.
Instead, he plans to ask Singaporeans for recommendations.
“I know chicken rice is a big one, so I will definitely give that a go,” he said.
“But I think the best thing is to ask the locals when I get there. I’m sure the fans will tell me what I need to try and, more importantly, where I need to go.”
Source: Steven Gerrard on Facebook
He also hopes to have some time to explore Singapore during his short trip.
“It’s my first time in Singapore, so hopefully I will get a chance to have a look around and see a bit of the city,” he said.
As for Singlish, Gerrard admitted he has not picked up any phrases yet.
“No! I haven’t got a clue, to be honest,” he told MS News.
“I am sure I will get taught a few when I am over there, though.”
He added: “Ask me again at the end of the trip. I might be a bit better by then!”
Gerrard said he is ultimately looking forward to meeting Singapore’s football fans and giving them a memorable experience.
Source: Steven Gerrard on Facebook
“I have been very lucky with what football’s given me,” he said.
“So if people come along, enjoy themselves, maybe learn something and go away with a good memory from the experience, then I will be happy.”
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Featured image adapted from World Football Legends website and Steven Gerrard on Facebook.
