Jurgen Klopp’s patience snapped today when he was repeatedly questioned about Steven Gerrard taking up a coaching role at Liverpool.
The current Anfield boss took over after Gerrard had left for LA Galaxy but has spoken warmly of the contribution that the former club captain made to the folklore of the club.
At the moment Klopp has all of his back-room positions filled and grew tired of the repeated questions about Gerrard and a return to Anfield after the 36-year old had announced this morning his retirement from playing.
Earlier this week Gerrard turned down the chance to take over as manager of MK Dons.
“He is a top player but it is not important what I think, it is important what the people think. I like him as a person,” Klopp stated on the Sporting Life website.
“I saw him once playing live in a stadium when we lost with Dortmund here 5-0 (actually 4-0). It was not my best experience and that is all.
“But stop using me for stories about Steven Gerrard. You don’t need me. If you want to write a story about him write it because he deserved it.
“I have only been here 14 months so how could I be the person to say how big these people are or how it is to live with legends at Liverpool?
“I’ve met a few (legends) and I’ve met Stevie and he is far away from wanting to be a legend.”
Despite the Gerrard distraction Klopp’s attention and focus is centred on Saturday’s home match with Sunderland which should offer a straightforward route to three points after last week’s stalemate at Southampton.
Under Davie Moyes Sunderland have won back-to-back matches against Bournemouth and Hull City but remain three points adrift of fourth bottom West Ham United.