Jurgen Klopp has told the press before tomorrow’s Europa League tie with Rubin Kazan that he’s happy for Steven Gerrard to train with the club in January before the MLS season kicks off again.
There were widespread reports this morning, most notably in the Independent, that the former captain would be welcome to join in training sessions this winter, but also that Liverpool could actually re-sign the veteran midfielder.
This naturally sent the rumour mill into overdrive, but the new boss has probably quashed suggestions that Gerrard will play for us once again.
James Pearce from the Echo live tweeted the quotes:
Klopp on Gerrard: “All I can say is that I’ve had contact with Stevie – one phone call and a few messages.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) November 4, 2015
Klopp: “He is a legend. If he’s in Liverpool and wants to train ahead of next season in LA that’s absolutely no problem. Nothing else.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) November 4, 2015
Crucially, Klopp ends his statement on Gerrard with ‘nothing else’, intimating that the legendary midfielder won’t be rejoining the club in a full-time playing basis as earlier reports suggests.
Gerrard is contracted for another MLS season so would have to be acquired with a transfer fee, which again makes it an unrealistic proposition.
Still, it’ll be great to have him on Merseyside again, even if it’s only at Melwood, and we hope he takes Klopp up on his offer.