Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has thrown his backing behind club legend Steven Gerrard after his sacking by Aston Villa - revealing he had spoken to the ex-midfielder and urged him to 'take time and recharge'.
Gerrard was axed for the first time in his coaching career on Thursday night following Villa's dismal 3-0 loss to Fulham, with the club's hierarchy acting quickly after being left furious by the team's display.
The 42-year-old will now be looking for the next chapter in his journey as a manager but Klopp - who joined Liverpool four months after Gerrard left the club in 2015 - insists he is 'not worried' about his progress and that sackings happen to 'the best managers' in the game.
Speaking ahead of his side's clash against Nottingham Forest this weekend, Klopp said: 'I'm sure he will come back from that. Over the years we haven't met too much for different reasons - first he was in America and then he worked in the academy.
'I always followed him, we had a little exchange this morning, but nothing too deep or a long conversation. I can imagine that it's a disappointment for him because of the ambitions he had.
'We don't have to worry about Stevie - he knows the game long enough that these things happen. We all get knocks. It's about how you respond.
'It happens to great managers out there, some had to leave their clubs for different reasons - some of the best manager. Quite frequently they show up and learn from it in a better situation.'
Klopp also said he wants Gerrard to spend some time with his family and recover fully before wading into management again - pointing out that he has not rested since he formally retired as a player in 2016, going on to manage Liverpool's youth sides in 2017 before joining Rangers the following year.
'He will be back 100 per cent,' he added. 'I hope he takes a bit of time because since he finished his career he's working all the time. He should use it for himself to recharge.'
Gerrard had not yet faced Klopp's Liverpool this season, but the Reds beat his side 2-1 at Villa Park at the end of last season.