Wayne Rooney brutally told why he can't be compared to Steven Gerrard as out-of-work Man Utd and Liverpool legends are warned 'being a great player doesn't make you a great coach'

Liverpool legend Gerrard and Manchester United great Rooney both find themselves out of work at present. The former recently severed ties with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, while the latter lasted just 25 games in charge of Championship side Plymouth before being shown to the door.

Rooney also toiled alongside NFL icon Tom Brady at Birmingham, taking in just 83 days as boss of the Blues, while suffering relegation in his first coaching role at Derby and failing to make the MLS play-offs with D.C. United. Gerrard, meanwhile, flopped in his first Premier League post at Aston Villa – having been billed as a potential Liverpool manager of the future.

Gerrard does, however, have a Scottish Premiership title on his CV from a productive spell at Rangers. Ibrox legend Ally McCoist – speaking in association with BetVictor Canada – told GOAL when asked how important Gerrard’s next role will be, as his name alone will only hold weight for so long: “Absolutely. Steven will know that.

“I was really longing for Wayne Rooney to do well down at Plymouth. I wanted him to do well, I really did. I think the slight difference is that Steven has had a bit of success. Yes, he’s had a couple of disappointments after that success, but Steven has certainly proved that he can manage at that level and win things – which is vitally important. I think that is the slight difference in any comparisons between the two. However, the next job is vital.”

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McCoist went on to say of another former England star that is back in management after suffering disappointment at Chelsea and Everton, with some iconic figures struggling to replicate the success that they enjoyed as players since making the decision to move into the dugout: “Similar with Frank [Lampard], as well. He’s had a great start at Coventry. I want these guys to do well. I want these young guys who were wonderfully talented players to go to the next level and be successful coaches. I had a chat with Frank the week before last and he’s loving it. He’s really excited to get back on the training pitch. He’s really complementary about some of the young lads he has got.

“We know for a fact that being a great player doesn’t necessarily make you a great coach or a good coach but, at the same time, what an opportunity for those three guys to pass on their knowledge of football. It would be a shame if they didn’t get that opportunity to relay that to young players coming through.”

Gerrard is expected to take a break from management after leaving the Middle East for personal reasons. Rooney has admitted that he is open to offers, including U21 and backroom coaching roles, but is seeing a return to punditry duty speculated on for now.