Steven Gerrard will make an emotional return to Anfield on Saturday to face his former side, with the Liverpool legend hoping for anything other than a home win for probably the first time ever.
The new Aston Villa boss has made a bright start to life at the club and their recent 2-1 win over Leicester was their third victory in four Premier League games, with the only failure coming against leaders Manchester City.
It was Jurgen Klopp that gave Gerrard a coaching role at Liverpool to kick-start his post-playing career, and the German also gave his blessing as Rangers contacted the Anfield legend about taking charge back in 2018.
Gerrard is now back in the Premier League as one of the most promising managers around, but the former Liverpool man has regularly commented on Klopp's influence throughout his coaching career.
Here Mirror Football take a look at everything Gerrard has said about the Liverpool boss over the years...
What Gerrard said as...
He embarked on management
In November 2016, just days before retiring as a player, Gerrard had an interview with MK Dons regarding their vacant managerial post, but the former Liverpool star said he wasn't ready for the job.
Two months later he was appointed as a youth coach at Liverpool, and ahead of the new season Jurgen Klopp put Gerrard in charge of the Under-18 side for the upcoming campaign.
Speaking to the Champions Journal, Gerrard said: "The fantastic advice Klopp offered me was, 'Don't go into this as Steven Gerrard, with the name on your back. Go back to the beginning, strip it back. Get your pitch confidence; get used to tactics, different formations. Try things. Make mistakes, get it horribly, wildly wrong. Experiment! Do all these things away from the cameras.'"
"Jurgen added that he'd seen tonnes and tonnes of footballers go in there right away, using the weight of their name on their back, and it doesn't work."
The vote of confidence from Klopp was a huge statement, and helped Gerrard gain valuable experience early on into his managerial career which led to the approach from Rangers.
What Gerrard said as...
He imagined playing for Klopp
"I’ve had many sit-downs with him. He's an open book – he invites me into his office – I’m incredibly lucky and blessed I do get that invite," said Gerrard regarding his time at Liverpool’s Academy in 2017.
"And the thing I take away is: Imagine playing for him. I wasn't lucky enough to play for Jurgen Klopp. Probably too old. Just missed the boat if you like. But, I'm almost jealous of the Liverpool players.
"I come out of his office after a sit-down, and when I walk out of the training ground, I actually want to walk back in and sit with him. I want to put a kit on and play for them, and run for them and run hard. He's infectious, he inspires you."
What Gerrard said as...
He was appointed by Rangers
On May 1 2018, Grame Murty was dismissed by Rangers and just days later Gerrard was appointed for his first senior role in management.
The rest is history as the former Liverpool star led Rangers to their 55th Scottish League title last season, in what was an unbeaten campaign from Gerrard's men, and more importantly, they sabotaged Celtic's shot at winning the title ten seasons in a row.
As Gerrard left his role at Liverpool to join Rangers, he said: "I remember having a conversation with Jurgen about management before I even took this role - what are some of the key things you can tell me? What can I take from you that will help me moving forward?”
"He always said to try and be as balanced as you can. Now I know exactly why he said that. Because this journey takes you all over the place - incredible feelings, but it has also taken me down as well.
"One thing I learned from Jurgen is to try and detach yourself, and be more balanced around the results. He is a master of it. I am not. I am trying to get better at it.
"I was an emotional player, I wore my heart on my sleeve. I feel results and want to be as authentic and real as I can, but as a manager you have to be more balanced."
What Gerrard said as...
Liverpool won the Champions League
"Two finals in two years. It’s an incredible achievement," Gerrard said.
"Those people trying to put Jurgen down, I think all you've got to say is, before Jurgen came in they hadn't been to a European final since 2007.
"Now, he’s put this team alongside the top teams in the world. The Madrid's, the Barcelona's — you see him beat Barcelona 4-0."
Have Your Say! Is Steven Gerrard destined for the Liverpool job one day? Let us know in the comments here.
What Gerrard said as...
Liverpool won the Premier League
"Congratulations to all at Liverpool on winning the Premier League. Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players.
"Lead by a world class manager and coaching team also a special mention for the backing from FSG.
"And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years. Let the party begin."
What Gerrard said as...
He returned to the Premier League
Gerrard controversially left Rangers mid season to join Villa who had recently sacked Dean Smith, but the opportunity was too much to turn down, and it already looks to be a good appointment.
Following his arrival, Gerrard instantly revealed that Klopp had been in touch with him, and said: "I've been in touch with Klopp. We live in a similar area [in Liverpool] so I bump into him when he walks his dogs.
"He's a great man and coach, Liverpool are very lucky to have him at the helm so long may that continue. He sent me a message saying he's looking forward to a big hug on the sideline in December so that's something to look forward to."
What Gerrard said as...
He was asked about replacing Klopp
Gerrard's appointment did invite some unwanted attention that saw Klopp and the new Villa boss questioned as to whether the former Liverpool star would one day replace him, which made for a hostile response from both managers, who share an immense amount of respect for one another.
"Very unfair," Gerrard said, as although it's certainly a possibility one day, Gerrard is still a Liverpool fan at heart, and like the rest of the Reds supporters, is delighted with Klopp's monumental impact at Anfield since arriving in 2015.
"I don’t think there’s anything wrong in football with having dreams and aspirations. But Liverpool have a world-class coach that they're very happy with and if he was to sign a lifetime deal I would be very happy for them and him."
