Liverpool legend Ian Rush has explained how he thinks the club’s supporters will treat Kop icon Steven Gerrard on his return.
Gerrard brings his Aston Villa side to Merseyside on Saturday in the Premier League to face Liverpool.
It will be the first time that the 41-year-old has returned to Anfield in a professional capacity since leaving the club as a player in the summer of 2015.
Since replacing Dean Smith as Villa manager, Gerrard has won three out of his four matches in charge, including a victory over Leicester City and former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers in his last fixture.
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Rush believes that while Liverpool fans will respect their hero, they will want him to lose as soon as kick-off arrives.
“It will be an emotional occasion when Steven Gerrard returns to Anfield as Aston Villa manager this weekend and I’m expecting a raucous reception for him from the Kop,” Rush told Gambling.com .
“For me, he’s the best midfielder Liverpool have ever had. He got Liverpool out of so many tight situations as a player, he was a great captain, a true leader – he had everything.
“He’s certainly one of the best players we’ve ever had and in my opinion he’s the best midfielder in the club’s history.
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“Having said that, once the Villa game starts, his job is to beat Liverpool and the fans will want him to lose as soon as the ball starts rolling.
“After the game, whatever happens, Stevie will have the best wishes of the Liverpool support because he’s a club legend. He’s right up there with the best players ever to wear the Liverpool shirt.”
