EPL

Klopp backs Gerrard for management return after Aston Villa sacking

By Sports Desk October 21, 2022

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is adamant Steven Gerrard will return to management but hopes he takes some time away from football after being axed by Aston Villa.

Gerrard was sacked following Villa's defeat to Fulham on Thursday, which left the club above the Premier League's relegation zone on only goals scored, having picked up just two wins in the opening 11 matches of the campaign.

Previously touted by many as Klopp's eventual successor at Anfield, Gerrard must now rebuild his reputation after a disappointing stint with Villa that came following success in Scotland with Rangers.

Klopp does not expect that to be an issue for the former Liverpool captain, although he hopes he does not rush back into a role.

"I'm very sure he will come back from that. During my seven years at Liverpool, with the academy we created a close relationship," he said in Friday's press conference ahead of the clash against Nottingham Forest.

"I always followed him, we had a little exchange this morning but nothing too deep, it wasn't a long conversation. I can imagine it is a disappointment for him with the ambitions that he had and the things he wanted to achieve with Aston Villa, it's obviously not good.

"We don't need to worry, he knows the game long enough, it's life, we all get knocks, it's all about how we respond. He always came back and he will come back from that, no doubt.

"A lot of great managers out there had to leave their previous clubs for different reasons. Quite frequently, they'll turn up somewhere else and will have learned from that situation.

"He will be back, 100 per cent, but I hope that he will take a bit of time for himself, since he finished his career he has pretty much been working all the time, so maybe use it now a little bit himself to recharge."

Related items

  • Leicester's Fatawu ruled out for rest of season with ACL injury Leicester's Fatawu ruled out for rest of season with ACL injury

    Leicester City manager Steve Cooper confirmed Abdul Fatawu will miss the rest of the season.

    The 20-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) while playing for Ghana against Angola during the international break.

    Fatawu has featured in all 11 of Leicester's Premier League matches so far this season and has registered two assists.

    No Leicester player has attempted (61) or completed (29) more dribbles than him, while his 30 crosses is also a team-high in the top-flight this season.

    "It's not good, it's a serious injury," said Cooper ahead of their match against Chelsea on Saturday.

    "It's a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

    "Albeit, it can be quite common in sport, and in particular football, but it's still a serious injury.

    "For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

    "He's obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

    "It's only a pause, and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which, with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case."

  • Arsenal qualifying for Champions League quarter-finals feels 'surreal', says Slegers Arsenal qualifying for Champions League quarter-finals feels 'surreal', says Slegers

    Renee Slegers says it feels "surreal" that Arsenal have secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with two games to spare.

    The Gunners will finish at least second in Group C after Lina Hurtig's late strike secured a 1-0 win over Juventus on Thursday.

    What looked to be a frustrating encounter was turned around by Slegers' substitutions, and after missing a glorious chance, Hurtig was eventually the difference at the Emirates.

    Arsenal created 3.69 expected goals (xG) from their nine shots, getting three on target, compared to just 0.5 for Juventus, who tested Daphne van Domselaar the same amount of times.

    Slegers was impressed by her side's resilience as they pushed to come away with all three points.

    "It's surreal to be honest," Slegers said post-match. "I never felt we would get into this situation. We have done really well.

    "I was part of Jonas [Eidevall's] staff and there was so much that was built during his time. I don't want to separate that. There is so much we are still building on. It's surreal in so many ways but we are very happy.

    "I'm just happy for the team to win. Obviously, we have amazing depth in the squad, and we know anyone can do it for us - whether it's starting players or finishing players.

    "It's the visualisation of how much everyone contributes in the team. I think that's what it means for us."

    Slegers took over as interim manager following Jonas Eidevall's departure last month and has gone unbeaten in her first seven games, winning six and drawing one.

    They have won each of their last five in all competitions, and have not conceded a goal in their previous four matches.

    "It was just a very impressive block of the team," Slegers said. "We conceded only one goal during this whole block, so defensively very solid.

    "The players have been stepping up big time, they've been owning this; we tried to relay it back to them all the time, so giving them the ownership.

    "I'm just very happy with how the block has been, different challenges along the way, so all games have asked something different from us. We've responded to that really well, sticking to our identity but also playing the game that's ahead of us."

  • Arsenal qualifying for Champions League quarter-finals feel surreal, says Slegers Arsenal qualifying for Champions League quarter-finals feel surreal, says Slegers

    Renee Slegers says it feels "surreal" that Arsenal have secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with two games to spare.

    The Gunners will finish at least second in Group C after Lina Hurtig's late strike secured a 1-0 win over Juventus on Thursday.

    What looked to be a frustrating encounter was turned around by Slegers' substitutions, and after missing a glorious chance, Hurtig was eventually the difference at the Emirates.

    Arsenal created 3.69 expected goals (xG) from their nine shots, getting three on target, compared to just 0.5 for Juventus, who tested Daphne van Domselaar the same amount of times.

    Slegers was impressed by her side's resilience as they pushed to come away with all three points.

    "It's surreal to be honest," Slegers said post-match. "I never felt we would get into this situation. We have done really well.

    "I was part of Jonas [Eidevall's] staff and there was so much that was built during his time. I don't want to separate that. There is so much we are still building on. It's surreal in so many ways but we are very happy.

    "I'm just happy for the team to win. Obviously, we have amazing depth in the squad, and we know anyone can do it for us - whether it's starting players or finishing players.

    "It's the visualisation of how much everyone contributes in the team. I think that's what it means for us."

    Slegers took over as interim manager following Jonas Eidevall's departure last month and has gone unbeaten in her first seven games, winning six and drawing one.

    They have won each of their last five in all competitions, and have not conceded a goal in their previous four matches.

    "It was just a very impressive block of the team," Slegers said. "We conceded only one goal during this whole block, so defensively very solid.

    "The players have been stepping up big time, they've been owning this; we tried to relay it back to them all the time, so giving them the ownership.

    "I'm just very happy with how the block has been, different challenges along the way, so all games have asked something different from us. We've responded to that really well, sticking to our identity but also playing the game that's ahead of us."

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.