New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has talked to Steven Gerrard about to train with the team this fall, the Independent reported on Tuesday. According to the report, discussions between Klopp and the current LA Galaxy midfielder could eventually encompass a playing role, though only training through Jan. 15 is currently being discussed.
Gerrard completed his first half-season with the Galaxy on Thursday when has team was eliminated from Major League Soccer’s playoffs. The former Reds’ captain had spent the previous 17 season with Liverpool, debuting as an 18-year-old in 1998 before leaving the club at the conclusion of the 2015-14 English Premier League season.
SEE MORE: Taking inventory of the Galaxy’s abrupt playoff exit.
According to the Independent, Klopp believes Gerrard’s leadership could help set expectations at the club:
Klopp has spoken to the former captain several times on the telephone since arriving at Anfield last month. The manager is now convinced that Gerrard’s presence will help define the standards of professionalism he expects around Melwood, Liverpool’s training ground.
According to the report, the Galaxy are currently unwilling to authorize a loan to Liverpool despite having done so in the past with stars such as David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez. Instead, Gerrard would be allowed to train with Liverpool through Jan. 15, when he is expected to report to the Galaxy for preseason.
SEE MORE: Why the Galaxy needed to bench Steven Gerrard.
The 35-year-old’s debut with the five-time MLS champions ended in disappointment and criticism, with the Galaxy losing to Seattle 3-2 in Thursday’s Western Conference knockout round matchup. In 14 all-competition appearances, Gerrard scored twice for his new club but was left considering his future after a disappointing three months:
From the team’s website:
“It could be my last season … I certainly don’t want to feel like I’m feeling right now come next year …
“Going on the road, playing on turf, playing at altitude, playing in humidity, those are the hurdles that I’ve had to face over the last three months that I wasn’t aware of … Every away game has a different challenge.”
Gerrard is scheduled to fly from California to London on Tuesday night, landing in England on Wednesday morning.
