Jurgen Klopp has revealed he spoke to Steven Gerrard on Friday morning following the Liverpool legend's sacking at Aston Villa.
The former Reds captain, who has often been touted as a future Liverpool manager, was dismissed on Thursday night after Villa's 3-0 loss away at Fulham left them above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference alone.
Despite the setback, Klopp has backed Gerrard to bounce back strongly and enjoy success again in his next managerial role. However, the German does hope that the 42-year-old, who worked as Under-18s manager at Anfield for a season, takes some time off before plotting his return.
"I'm very sure he will come back from that," Klopp told reporters. "Seven years in Liverpool, even with not meeting very often because of different reasons, like him being in America.
READ MORE: FSG chief Sam Kennedy hints at future Liverpool stadium plan after £80m Anfield Road work
READ MORE: Liverpool could be about to get unexpected Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz replacement
"When he was with the academy we could create a bit of a close relationship. I have always followed him. We had a little exchange this morning but not nothing too deep and not a long conversation.
"I can imagine it's disappointing for him because of the ambitions he had and the things he wanted to achieve at Aston Villa. It's not cool but I don't think we have to worry now about Stevie. As he said himself yesterday after the game, he knows the game long enough and these kind of things can happen.
"We all get knocks in life, it's all about how we respond. You all know Stevie still better than I do. He always came back and he will come back from that. No doubt about that. Things like this can happen.
"A lot of great managers out there had to leave their previous clubs for different reasons. Some of the best did that quite frequently during their career. Showed up somewhere else, learned from it and found a better situation.
"He will be back, 100%. But now I hope he takes a bit of time for him because since he finished his career, he has pretty much worked all the time. Maybe use it a little bit for himself to recharge."
READ NEXT
-
Jurgen Klopp doesn't agree with Pep Guardiola but Liverpool could prove Man City boss right
-
'Bring him back' - Liverpool fans torn on Steven Gerrard after Aston Villa sacking
-
Jurgen Klopp hints at dangerous new 'combination' he is about to unleash at Liverpool
-
Declan Rice makes Anfield 'sick' claim after Liverpool beat West Ham
-
Steven Gerrard 'bitterly disappointed' verdict shared by Brendan Rodgers after Aston Villa sack
