Steven Gerrard on Reds reunion and Klopp's X factor
There was a very familiar face in the crowd at the Rose Bowl as Steven Gerrard took the chance to watch Liverpool up close again – and share his excitement about the upcoming season.
The former Reds captain and modern legend of the club made the short trip from his base in Los Angeles to see Jürgen Klopp’s team take on Chelsea in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday night.
It was the first match of the side’s tour of the United States, following four successive victories in domestic friendlies before their trip across the Atlantic.
Gerrard was never likely to pass up an opportunity to see Liverpool step up preparations for the new campaign, particularly given the close ties he retains with those still on Merseyside.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “It’s strange really. Being so far away and then your club rolls into town with so many familiar faces!
“It’s great to have the club over here in California – I’m sure everyone is enjoying the weather and the surroundings. Hopefully they can get a good positive win and some fitness under their belt against Chelsea.
“I’m always in touch. I’ve still got a lot of friends in the team and the squad. And I’m still friends with a lot of staff at the club.
“I always get regular texts from the owners, and I’m always wishing the manager and staff good luck for all the games. Of course I’m in touch with everyone.”
This summer is Klopp’s first pre-season since taking charge and an intense programme of work has been underway in the past four weeks.
Gerrard witnessed the German’s methods at first hand when he trained at Melwood last winter – and the midfielder is full of optimism for the club’s future.
“The manager has got that X factor and that little bit of magic about him – the way he goes about things and lifts people,” he said.
“You can see how close he is to the players and you can see he’s very demanding on the training pitch.
“With the experience of two weeks I got last year, I think it’s a very exciting time to be a Liverpool fan. I’m looking forward to seeing how well they do this year.”