Klopp invites Gerrard to train
Jürgen Klopp has told Steven Gerrard he is welcome to return to Liverpool to train with the first-team squad although reports of a playing return are premature, according to Sky sources.
The 35-year-old is flying back to the UK on Wednesday after the end of the MLS season with LA Galaxy, who he joined in the summer after 17 years at Anfield.
Gerrard marked his MLS debut with a goal, but his campaign ended in disappointment after the Galaxy were knocked out of the play-offs by Seattle Sounders last week and speculation over his future has mounted after an interview in which he admitted he had struggled since moving to the United States.
"It could be my last season as a footballer. I certainly don't want to feel like I'm feeling right now come next year," he told reporters in America last week.
"I'd love to go out on a high. It's a long season, and I only came here for the last four months but I'll certainly be better for the experience next year."
However, Sky Sports News HQ reporter Ben Ransom says reports he could again play for Liverpool are wide of the mark at the moment.
"Steven Gerrard spoke to Jurgen Klopp on the phone while he was in LA but that conversation was Gerrard wishing the new Liverpool manager well," he said.
"I am told at this stage there have been no discussions about Gerrard's return as a player, but Klopp did reiterate that he was more than welcome to come to Melwood to train with the first team squad during the MLS close-season.
"I am told that meeting will happen once Gerrard is settled back in the UK. He went out to LA full of hope and expectation, but has spoken about the unexpected challenges which he has faced.
"He didn't realise the amount of travelling that would be involved, away from his family, particularly when LA were playing on the east coast. Also, the humidity he's had to contend with - which at the latter stage of his career is something new - and also the artificial surfaces as well. These are all factors in Gerrard considering his future."
Gerrard said in September he would have stayed at Liverpool had he been given the chance to take on a player-coach role.
"What would have kept me at Liverpool into this season was the chance of shadowing Brendan Rodgers and his staff as well as playing. Those ideas were only mentioned to me after I had announced I was leaving," he said.
"I could have been a good squad player, a good sub, as well as getting management experience that money can't buy."
Source: Sky Sports
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