EXCLUSIVE: RAMON VEGA - Gerrard should never go back to Liverpool

“Never go back” is a common phrase you hear in football. And it came into my mind this week as speculation grew surrounding the nature of Steven Gerrard’s return to England for the MLS off-season.

The indications are that Gerrard may just take up the offer of training with the Liverpool squad under Jurgen Klopp to keep fit, as David Beckham did at Arsenal.

However, the sight of one of the Anfield legends back at Melwood will be sure to get thoughts racing and tongues wagging.

But I am sure it would be a bad idea. The only unfinished business Gerrard has at Liverpool was to play in a title-winning side, yet it doesn’t look like that will happen this year anyway.

No, Liverpool under Klopp must now look to the future, not backwards, especially given how they have got their groove back under the German.

Sentimentalism must not come into it. Klopp has galvanized a group of young players with plenty of potential and harnessed their talents.

It may take a couple of seasons but the promise is there for all to see and Liverpool fans are back on an upward journey.

Bringing Gerrard along for the ride on the pitch will be a regressive step.

Nostalgia has no place in the ultra-competitive Premier League, where the fine margins dictate that all decisions must be taken for the greater good of the team, rather than with individuals in mind.

Behind the affability, Klopp is a shrewd operator and I believe, ironically, the tough times at Borussia Dortmund that followed their title wins have made him a better coach.

As jovial as he can be, he also possesses that ruthlessness that all great coaches share.

That’s not to say that a job on the coaching staff for Gerrard at some point in the future would be a bad idea. The youngsters would certainly benefit from having a figure like him around and, of course, he knows the Premier League inside out.

But I think he’ll also gain from his time in Los Angeles as he’ll be equipped with different experiences and skill-sets.

I personally loved the variety you got from playing in different leagues, picking up different languages and experiencing a range of cultures.

A footballer’s career in the game is short and so you have to make the most of the opportunities when they come along and I do sometimes think that more British players should try their hand abroad at a younger age, as it aids their development as footballers and broadens their personal horizons.

Obviously the Premier League is a lucrative place to ply your trade but I believe the English national team would also benefit from being able to draw from players who have experience in a wider pool of leagues, as tactically and mentally you definitely become sharper from being exposed to different styles and approaches to the game.

I think young English players should certainly be trying to diversify their experience- just as long as they are always moving forward and remember: ‘Don’t ever go back!’.

Ramon Vega is a versatile high-flying executive with a comprehensive track record of driving commercial success in finance, property and football with national, international and World Cup experience as captain of the Swiss National Team in 1994. Proven experience in managing $billion funds in the asset management industry as well as a turnaround specialist who combines financial and business acumen, Ramon has a flair for inspiring others to exceed their own expectations. Follow him on Twitter here @Ramon_Vega71  (http://frompitchtoboardroom.com)

[EXCLUSIVE: RAMON VEGA: I was flattered to be approached about the FIFA presidency but now is not the right time for me]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: What makes a truly elite manager?]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: Behind the scenes of a transfer deal]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: What makes a good leader?]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: Time for players to have their say in the running of the game]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: Transfer window changes pointless]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: Is it a good time to buy a Premier League club?]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: Rugby World Cup technology shows Football the way forward]

[EXCLUSIVE: Ramon Vega: Defenders need to be more clever against 'specialists in the dark arts']