Steven Gerrard got shirty with a reporter for "chasing headlines" after he was asked if Aston Villa could cost Liverpool the title on Tuesday.
The Anfield legend is in charge at Villa Park after leaving Rangers in November and it's been a mixed start to life back in the Premier League.
Gerrard has Villa comfortably safe in mid-table but they have been inconsistent and unable to propel themselves anywhere near the European spots.
Nonetheless they could have a major indirect say in the title race as they face Liverpool on Tuesday and league leaders Manchester City on the final day of the season.
But when asked if Villa could derail the Reds' title bid, Gerrard gave a hostile response, accusing a reporter of "chasing headlines."
He said: "The way the fixtures have fallen we can have a say in the title race, but also the relegation battle. That's the way it is.
"But it's over a 38-game season, both teams play Aston Villa twice, so I'm not going to give you any headlines that you may be chasing."
Gerrard has long been mooted for a return to Liverpool one day although that speculation has dampened recently with Jurgen Klopp penning a new contract until 2026.
In his press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash, the German was asked if Gerrard was still a viable option to replace him down the line.
And he refused to rule it out, saying: "Yes, of course, it's possible. I have no idea, it's not my decision to make. So I think it's possible, that's it."
