Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed he has already sent Reds legend Steven Gerrard a private message following news of his sacking as Aston Villa manager.
The Anfield icon made a promising start to his managerial career when he guided Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title, but things didn't fare quite as well at Villa Park. After 39 games at the helm, Gerrard was relieved of his duties boasting a feeble 33 per cent win record.
The fatal blow to his reign proved to be the dismal display at Craven Cottage on Thursday night when Fulham ran out 3-0 winners against a Villa side that looked second-best throughout the contest. To make matters worse, the travelling faithful could be heard belting out, 'You're getting sacked in the morning' from the away end.
It may serve as some consolation to Gerrard that he is still as highly regarded over at Anfield as ever if Klopp's comments are anything to go by.
"We had a little exchange this morning and I don't think we have to worry about Stevie, it's all about how you respond to setbacks and there's no doubt he'll come back from that," the Reds boss explained.
"He will be back 100 per cent but I hope now he takes a bit of time because since he ended his career, he was pretty much working all the time. Hopefully, he will use it to recharge."
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This is not the first time Klopp has discussed Gerrard as a manager, with the German previously touting the former Reds midfielder with the Liverpool managerial role himself, though these remarks came long before his sacking as Villa boss.
Discussing the chances of Gerrard one day being handed the reins at Anfield, Klopp claimed: "I think it will definitely happen. And good for everybody! When is the right moment to take the job?
"Not to say that he's not able to do it, but how long you want to do it. Is it the last job you do? The second job, third job you do?"
There's every chance it is now a job Gerrard will simply never get. Villa's first statement that broke the news of his dismissal was short and sweet, it also came under two hours after the full-time whistle at Fulham.
Villa's team coach had not yet made it back to Birmingham before Gerrard's departure had been confirmed.
The club's Chief executive Christian Purslow offered up some further context to the decision with a statement released on Friday morning.
“The board has come to this decision following a full evaluation of results and performances over the calendar year," he added.
"We were clear when we appointed Steven that we set an objective of continuous improvement but that has not been achieved despite everybody’s best efforts and we believe the time is right to make these changes now.
"The process of appointing a new head coach is underway and we will update supporters as soon as possible."
