Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he will pay extra attention to Aston Villa following Steven Gerrard’s appointment as manager.
The Liverpool legend left Glasgow Rangers last week to replace Dean Smith in the Villa Park dugout.
Gerrard is due to reunite with Liverpool when he brings his Villa side to Anfield on December 11 in the Premier League.
In his first press conference as Villa boss, Gerrard revealed that he and Klopp exchanged text messages after his appointment was confirmed.
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Klopp confirmed the pair exchanged texts when the news was announced, and explains why he will watch Villa matches “a bit closer” from now on.
“Really happy for him, to be honest,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I know he loved the job at Rangers, but it’s how it is.
“When you have the opportunity to work in the Premier League, then probably each coach in the world would consider it.
“With a club the size of Aston Villa, I can imagine he is really buzzing about it. It’s a great opportunity for him, it’s great for the club.
“In a few weeks we will face each other. I texted him obviously and we had a few messages back and forth. It’s good, I’m really looking forward to it.
“From now on I will watch Aston Villa games a bit closer, but apart from that when we meet them obviously then it’s different.
“But it’s good. That’s for him the same, it must be the same. For these 95 minutes all sentiments have to be put aside, that’s how it is.
“But, anyhow, it’s great news.”
