New Liverpool U18 coach Steven Gerrard already has big plans for his young players.

Gerrard wants to help develop "streetwise footballers" in his new role.

"My teams will be physical," the Kop icon told the Liverpool Echo.

“I hate watching footballers and football when there is no physical side and you don't compete."

Gerrard believes there's a “showboating mentality" in English academies and he says emerging talent must toughen up if they are going to succeed at the top level.

“I think a lot of them are shocked when they step up to Melwood from the Academy," he said.

“I've seen a lot of players who have come out of the Academy with huge reputations and go into the Melwood dressing room and then it is sink or swim and a lot of them sink.

“There is a showboating mentality. A lot of kids that play the games think they have to do 10 lollipops or Cruyff turns to look good or stand out.

“There are a lot of skilful players in the game that young players try and emulate – probably too much instead of trying to be themselves and playing to their own strengths.

“Whereas you have to look at yourself and say: 'What have I got? What are my strengths? How can I improve my weaknesses and become a player in my own right?' We all love a bit of skill and talent, but the other side of the game is huge.

“I have to try and prepare them for careers in the game. Not all of them will play for Liverpool's first team, but I feel if I can help them to compete in the other side of the game it will help their careers."