#360view: Liverpool return for Gerrard is the last thing Klopp needs

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  • Returning son?: Gerrard.

    There was always sense amid the tears and the farewells, that all the pomp and circumstance was a little premature.

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    Steven Gerrard is back in the UK after the first season of his American adventure ended in heartache with LA Galaxy’s play-off defeat against the Seattle Sounders. Invariably, talk has now turned towards a Liverpool return for the former skipper. But is it wise, no matter the capacity, for both parties?

    Jurgen Klopp’s arrival has brought with it a background of heavy metal noise and after the defeat of Chelsea the volume was turned up another notch. Now what the German needs is some quiet to continue the rebuild and that won’t be helped with talk of a Gerrard return.

    It’s a possibility that has been met with mixed feelings from Anfield supporters, too.

    On the one hand it’s an arrangement that could be mutually beneficial. While Klopp would be helping the Liverpool legend maintain his fitness during the off-season, his presence would prove a useful reminder to the youngsters in the squad – with more getting a realistic chance to impress now – that certain standards need to be met if success is to be realised.

    It’s that presence, though, which could cause the noise Klopp would do well to avoid. What happens for instance if Lucas Leiva or Joe Allen get injured and training with the squad is Gerrard? You can guarantee the first question in the next press conference would be on the midfielder and whether a contract is forthcoming.

    That’s even before you take into consideration the demands Klopp places on his players physically. Gerrard’s legs have gone and when you add his reputation as a footballer who is not easy to manage, a playing role is surely out of the question, too.

    That leaves a comeback in a coaching capacity and even that’s not advisable. Making the transition after a career at the top is never smooth, never mind at the pressure cooker that is Anfield. He would learn far more by helping out somewhere else before making the return.

    Gerrard is said to be taken aback by three elements of playing in the MLS: the long journeys from West to East, playing on artificial turf and the humidity. Largely, he seems to have enjoyed his time in LA but it’s clear he still yearns for English football.

    While it’d be a little unsettling to see Gerrard take up an offer from another Premier League club to play there again, that shouldn’t be the reason to bring him back. The farewell should stay that. At least for the time being.

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