Jurgen Klopp Talks Steven Gerrard and More in Rubin Kazan vs. Liverpool Presser

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explicitly ruled out any hope of Steven Gerrard rejoining the club as a player, but said the "door is open" to the Anfield icon if he should want to train with the squad.

Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash at Rubin Kazan, Klopp proclaimed he was more than happy to welcome the "legend" back to stay fit, but "nothing else," per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Gerrard joined MLS outfit L.A. Galaxy earlier this year, but the Independent (h/t the Guardian) reported on Wednesday his stay with the club could be cut short in pursuit of a return to his native Merseyside.

Contrary to that speculation, Klopp maintained the 35-year-old is not a playing option for his side, but he did confirm he's already held talks with Gerrard, per the Mirror's Liam Prenderville: “All I can say is that I’ve had contact with Stevie. One phone call and a few messages.”

Liverpool have made the trip to Russia after clinching their first Premier League win under Klopp's reign, a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that lifted an immense weight off the manager and players alike.

Ringo H.W. Chiu/Associated Press/Associated Press

It was something closer to the "heavy-metal football" Klopp once mused that he likes to see his sides playing. According to Pearce, the Reds manager was quizzed on his heavy-metal tactics, at which point he responded: "The problem with my life is that I've said too much s--t in the past and no-one forgets it."

Liverpool fans were pleased to see Christian Benteke make a winning return from injury in the Chelsea triumph, coming off the bench to score a decisive third for the visitors.

The English giants drew 1-1 at home to Rubin Kazan in the reverse fixture, but the Europa League is no small matter for Klopp, who outlined the importance of this competition to his side, per Prenderville:

"

The Europa League is a big challenge for us. 

We are here to do our best. 

If we have to work hard for 95 or 96 mins then we have to do that. 

We’ve had no time to see the city yet. But we are not here to visit Kazan. 

The dressing room is much bigger than in Liverpool but I haven’t seen the pitch yet.

"

When asked if there would be changes to the XI that started in Saturday's win over Chelsea, Klopp laughed and replied "Yes," according to Pearce, with a Sunday fixture at home to Crystal Palace also to think about.

Some might be aggrieved to hear Gerrard's chances of a return to swiftly slammed shut, but Klopp's statement in a way emphasises his desire to create a new dynasty at Liverpool—and the need to let go of the old one.