Steven Gerrard abruptly shutting down interview summed up his feelings on Jurgen Klopp

Steven Gerrard had expressed a strong desire for Jurgen Klopp to extend his stay at Liverpool before Arne Slot’s tenure began. Klopp’s departure this summer after an impressive nine-year tenure brought upon the end of an era, with the German’s legacy comprising of a Champions League and Premier League trophy amoung others.

Fans on Merseyside must have pinching themsleves then, when new man Slot kicked off his stint to near perfection, barring a slip-up against Nottingham Forest.

Gerrard, however, made it very clear in 2021 that he had hoped Klopp would long reign at Anfield, amid rumours that the icon himself could be a potential replacement.

While excelling in his role at the helm of Rangers, Gerrard during an interview with ITV was asked: “There are a lot of Liverpool fans watching your success…”

The former midfield star quickly interjected, saying: “The Liverpool fans don’t want me to be the manager of Liverpool Football Club. They want Jurgen Klopp to continue to be the Liverpool manager – and I’m totally with all of them.”

“We shouldn’t talk about this, we have one of the best managers leading our club at the minute, I love him. I hope he stays for a few more years. But I’ve got a job here. I don’t think it’s helpful to talk about this and I hope Jurgen stays at Liverpool for many years.”

Gerrard left his managerial post in Scotland later that same year to join Aston Villa. However, Gerrard’s stint at Villa Park was short-lived and came to an abrupt end after less than a year, as disappointing outcomes saw him win just two of the first 13 league games in the 2022/23 season, reports the Mirror.

By the following year, he had secured a new position, this time in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq, where he is reported to have a contract until 2027. Slot, the chosen successor of Klopp, holds considerable esteem for the German akin to Gerrard’s, but remains focused on forging his own victorious trajectory at Anfield.

“They are big shoes to fill but you are also inheriting a squad and a team which has a winning culture,” Slot said. “As a manager, you want to work at a club with good players and an opportunity to win something. The past has shown there is a possibility to win some trophies. I look at it as ideal.”

“People look at us and think we only think about the tactics board but you have to think about the way you talk to the players. It is not about convincing them, it is part of the job to think about the best way to get the best out of them; whether to approach them as an individual or as a team.”

“I don’t have Jurgen Klopp in mind, thinking ‘what would he say’. No. I have to get to know the players to get the maximum out of them.”