Gerrard raves: I want 'unbelievable' £80k-a-week Brazilian 'at Liverpool FC' next season

Reds legend Steven Gerrard has delivered a glowing tribute to Liverpool's longest serving player. Speaking to the official Liverpool website this week, Gerrard hailed Lucas Leiva as 'one of the best people I've met through my career', and urged the Brazilian to stay at the club next season: "I’d like him to stay. I don’t make that decision, but for me, there’s always a place for Lucas Leiva at Liverpool Football Club. I’ve got a lot of time for him" . According to a report in Turkish newspaper Fotomac , Lucas has already agreed a deal to quit Anfield this summer: "After recent talks, Lucas Leiva has agreed a deal to sign for Galatasaray summer, but only on the proviso that he receives a €4m a year salary (€76k-a-week)". TalkSport further claims : "Inter Milan are also interested in bringing the Brazilian to Serie A and may be able to offer him the sort of deal he requires". Celtic and newly-promoted Brighton are also reportedl...

LFC Legends 4-3 R.Madrid [Highlights]: Steven Gerrard's MOTM performance and stunning goal (plus 2 assists)

Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield over the weekend in Liverpool legends' 403 victory over Real Madrid legends, and unsurprisingly, the ex-Reds skipper put in a man-of-the-match performance. In front of a record crowd (for this season), Gerrard scored a goal and provided two assists as Liverpool ran out worthy winners against Madrid. Goals: Owen, Fowler, Aldridge, Gerrard Here are highlights of Gerrard's performance: Full highlights of the game, including all seven goals:

'Massive Game': Gerrard reacts to Liverpool win; compares €30m Arsenal star to 'Luis Suarez'

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has slated Arsene Wenger for a poor selection decision at Anfield today. Speaking to BT Sport after the Reds' comfortable 3-1 victory over Arsenal, Gerrard criticised Wenger's decision to drop Gunners' talisman Alexis Sanchez: "I think that [dropping Sanchez] had an effect on the whole team, and probably lifted Liverpool. Arsenal only started playing when Sanchez came on. He lifted them". Gerrard then made a comparison with Liverpool hero Luis Suarez: "It's like at Liverpool - if Suarez had been dropped for a massive game, I would’ve been devastated, and down before the kick-off". As expected, Arsenal played straight into Liverpool's hands, and leaving Sanchez on the bench gave the Reds a massive pre-match boost. The Chilean has 36 goals/assists so far this season, which is twice as many as any of Liverpool's players, yet he's deemed surplus to requirements for one the Gunners' biggest games...

Gerrard: Liverpool have 'major problems' because of Klopp's failure to solve 'counter-attacking' issue

Anfield legend Steven Gerrard has questioned Jurgen Klopp's tactical approach in the wake of today's FA Cup debacle against Wolves. Reacting to Liverpool's 2-1 home defeat, Gerrard warned : "Liverpool have major problems on the counter attack, and they’re about to play the best counter-attacking team in the league. They need a massive performance against Chelsea" The counter-attack issue is as clear as day, yet Klopp doesn't seem to have an answer for it, and the disappointing reality is that rival teams have figured out Klopp's one-note 'tactics'. As Shane Long noted after the midweek defeat to Southampton: "It [beating Liverpool] came from the whole team trying to force them out wide and not letting them make passes through the middle to get one-on-ones with the keeper.” That's one aspect of it, but combine that with using the high-press, packing central areas, and catching LFC on the break (often after the Reds have overcommi...

Anfield MegaDeal: Legend insists Liverpool 'need' to sign 'superb' £40m powerhouse this week; Klopp wants deal now

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has called for Jurgen Klopp to sign one of the Premier League's most coveted players. When asked over the weekend who Liverpool should sign this month, Gerrard told BT Sport : "Who I think we need, I would go and try and bid for Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton". Gerrard's former team-mates Jamie Redknapp and Jamie Carragher are also fans of ' superb ' Van Dijk. In December, Carra insisted , that Klopp should spend '£40m' on the Dutchman, and explained why the deal is necessary: "Matip has fitness issues, as does Lovren. If Klopp wants someone in January, he has to be backed, as the stakes could get very big for Liverpool in 2017. I still think he needs a defender" . After Soton's 1-0 EFL win over Liverpool, Redknapp enthused : "He [Van Dijk]is immense. He's so comfortable on the ball. Whoever decides to buy him, he is a fantastic player. There's not a better centre-back in the Pre...

'It's a Shock: Steven Gerrard reacts to 'damaging' Liverpool defeat; insists it's game over for Klopp title hopes

Can Liverpool still win the title after today's embarrassing home defeat to bottom club Swansea City? Reds legend Steven Gerrard doesn't think so. When asked after the game about his old club's title chances, Gerrard told BT Sport : "If Chelsea win tomorrow, it’ll be a 10 point gap, so [winning the title] is looking very difficult. Even when I was playing, the damaging results were usually against smaller teams too. It’s a big shock". Even without the distraction of European football, Liverpool were never in with a serious chance of winning the league, and amid the hubris of a some gloating fans, I've argued that all season. This team is just not good enough to win the league, and with Klopp's square peg in round hole policy; failure to strengthen key areas last summer, and stubborn refusal to bolster the squad during the current window, the team will remain on the fringes for the rest of the season. This team is, however, good enough to finish i...

Inside Info: Journo claims he's been 'told' that 'incredible' star will 'go to Liverpool'

Is Steven Gerrard destined to become a coach and/or manager at Liverpool FC? Talksport journo Mike Parry claims to have some inside info on Gerrard's future, and in a conversation with John Barnes this week, Parry claimed : "I was told that Steven Gerrard will go to Liverpool in a coaching capacity, but it will be with the under 18s". After the departure of U23 boss Michael Beale, there is a vacancy in Liverpool's coaching set-up, but Parry's claim opens up the possibility that U18s boss Neil Critchley may get promoted to the U23s, which will then allow Gerrard to take over the U18s. Ex-Red Alvaro Arbeloa also seems to think so that Gerrard is destined for an Anfield return, and when asked this week about Gerrard's coaching future, he explained : “He [Gerrard] has experience, he’s worked with good coaches, and if he wants to be a coach, he can, and there’s no better place than Liverpool.” According to a statement on the official LFC website , '...

Deal Close? 'Incredible' £75k-a-week Liverpool hero in transfer talks to seal surprise move

Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard is reportedly close to sealing his first managerial position. According to Sky Sports : "Steven Gerrard is in preliminary talks with Sky Bet League One side MK Dons over their vacant managerial position". The BBC adds: "Steven Gerrard and MK Dons have been in contact over the vacant manager's role. MK Dons are exploring a number of opportunities, and Gerrard is one of numerous candidates". The Dons - who were relegated from the Championship last season - are currently in 21st place in the league, so with the right appointment, the only way is up. Is Gerrard the right man, though? Given his illustrious history in the game, the ex-England captain will surely be an inspiration to the Dons' players, and that may be half the battle. Plus, going to a League One club also opens up the possibility of Gerrard taking a player-manager role, which will probably suit him. Personally, I'd love to see Gerrard back at Liverpo...

Liverpool Stunner: Redknapp claims 'unbelievable' £30m midfielder is better than 'Steven Gerrard' at the same age

Another day, another predictably sub-par performance from England, but despite doing nothing of note in the game, Dele Alli - who did little of note during the game - continues to receive obligate praise. Reacting to England's sterile performance against Slovenia, Redknapp raved : "We're blessed to have [Alli] in the national team. Not even Steven Gerrard was displaying that kind of authority at that age. He can be England's linchpin for many years to come". Way to go! Just pile intense pressure on Alli's shoulders by basically comparing him to one of the Prem's greatest ever players. Seriously, the fawning predilection for grossly exaggerated (and premature) praise is a national sickness. Redknapp and his cronies constantly overpraise any English player with the slightest talent, and the allegedly ' unbelievable ' Alli is the latest blue-eyed boy to get the messiah treatment. Perhaps it's just me, but I just can't see what all th...

Carra insists: It'll take Liverpool '20-30 years' to replace 'world-class' £80k-a-week superstar

Jordan Henderson's wonder-goal against Chelsea is bound to invoke inevitable comparisons with Reds legend Steven Gerrard, but according Anfield icon Jamie Carragher, Hendo is not in the same league as Gerrard, who, according to Carra, is basically irreplaceable. When asked on Friday about Gerrard/Henderson comparison, Carra told Sky Sports" : "Henderson often gets compared to Gerrard. He took the armband; similar position; takes a lot of set pieces, but Liverpool won't find another Gerrard for 20-30 years". 20-30 years? It's a depressing thought, but probably true. Over the years, Liverpool have regularly signed and/or developed a whole host of talismanic players in various positions (Keegan, Dalglish, Souness, Hansen, Molby, Rush, Barnes, Beardsley, Fowler, Owen, McManaman, Torres, Suarez etc), but the club has been significantly less successful developing homegrown all-action central midfielders like Gerrard. You'd have to back to the 1970s to...

Gerrard raves: 'Dedicated' £27m 'leader' is a great 'example' for all Liverpool players to follow

Liverpool face Manchester City in the League Cup final on Sunday, and ahead of the game, Reds legend Steven Gerrard has delivered a glowing tribute to his successor at Anfield, Jordan Henderson, and urged other players in the squad to follow his hard-working example. In his column for The Telegraph this week, Gerrard raved: "I'd love to see Jordan Henderson lifting that trophy. Something that goes underappreciated in football is those players who are absolutely dedicated [and] determined to [be] the best they can be. Jordan is an example to all [Liverpool] players". Henderson has certainly come a long way since his arrival at Anfield, and he's already made over 200 appearances for the club, which is a significant achievement. When fully fit, £27m -rated Hendo can be a very effective player for Liverpool (22 goals/assists last season is proof of that), but is he really long-term captain material? Man Utd legend Gary Neville seems to think so, and in a recent...

'I Love Klopp': World-Class playmaker admits he'd be 'excited' to play for Liverpool under new boss

Much to the delight of fans and (I'm sure) players, ' world-class ' Reds legend Steven Gerrard is back at Liverpool right now, and one thing is clear: he loves working under Jurgen Klopp. Gerrard - reportedly on £75k -a-week at LA Galaxy - is training at Melwood during his hiatus from LA Galaxy, and when asked this week about his experience under Klopp's tutelage, the former Reds captain raved over the 'brilliant' atmosphere at the club, and urged the players to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to work under such a great manager. He explained : "I love him [Klopp]. If I was a player at Liverpool [now] I'd be licking my lips. The players should be excited. Imagine being 25 or 26 and how happy and excited I would be to be working with him . "The players should be realising what an opportunity they have to achieve success. If the players are not feeling it then there's something wrong". Klopp may be a great man-manager, but...

Eurosport Exclusive: After phone 'contact' with Klopp, 'World-Class' playmaker confirms Liverpool transfer is not happening

In recent weeks, both Jurgen Klopp and LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena have dismissed the possibility of Steven Gerrard returning to Liverpool on loan this year, and now, the ' world-class ' midfielder has categorically confirmed his future plans. The story so far: Oct 2015 : The Independent claimed: "Steven Gerrard is in line for a return to Liverpool [and] there is a chance of a playing agreement". Nov 2015 : Klopp told reporters : "I've had contact with Stevie. If he wants to train, that's no problem. But nothing else". Nov 2015 : Arena also rule out a move: “There’s not any truth to any of this. It’s ridiculous.” In an exclusive interview with Eurosport today , Gerrard finally addressed the Liverpool rumours: "I’ve retired from the national team so I don’t have to go and prove myself in Europe. I need to get some rest for a very long season ahead next year”. It'd be great to see Gerrard back at Liverpool, but as a consummate ...

Anfield Shocker: Didi Hamann urges Liverpool to block 'world class' £3m-a-year superstar from training at Melwood

Last season, Reds legend Dietmar Hamann expressed reservations about the possibility of Steven Gerrard returning to Anfield, and with speculation currently swirling around a possible winter loan deal, Hamann has once again argued that a Gerrard return in any capacity is a mistake. In May, Hamann tweeted : "No [Gerrard should not return on loan]. I don't think it would be a good idea. Time to move on" In his pre-Rubin Kazan press conference on Wednesday, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Gerrard is welcome to train with the team: "If he [Gerrard] wants to train that is absolutely no problem. He is an LFC legend and our doors are always open". Hamann doesn't agree, and in his column for 5-Times this week, he again argued that it's a mistake for Gerrard to return, and he also went one further and questioned the wisdom of allowing him to train with the team: “I’m not sure even training with them [Liverpool] is a good idea. If a midfiel...

Contact Made: After Klopp, Liverpool approach 'world-class' £75k-a-week superstar who wants Anfield 'opportunity'

Liverpool are expected to appoint a new manager this week, and the current favourites remain Jurgen Klopp, and Carlo Ancelotti. A new manager inevitably means changes to the coaching set-up, and new reports suggest that one of the Reds' greatest ever players is in the frame for a shock return to Anfield. According to TalkSport pundit (and ex-Red) Stan Collymore:: "Steven Gerrard has been sounded out to be a part of the new manager’s set up". ' World-class ' Gerrard definitely wants a return to Anfield at some point, and he confirmed his in May, when he told The Guardian : “I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future.” That's all well and good, but Gerrard returning to assist Klopp, or Ancelotti? This is (surely) wishful thinking in the extreme: * Gerrard has just moved his family to the USA, and after such a huge undertaking, it'll be unfair (and ...

Mourinho: I'm in contact with £77k-a-week Liverpool hero via 'text message', but he's 'wrong' over Terry

Over the years, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has regularly eulogised Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, and the feeling is definitely mutual, as the Portuguese recently confirmed that he tried to sign Gerrard three times, for three difference clubs. Their cloying mutual love-in has taken a hit this week, though, with Mourinho publicly contradicting the ex-Liverpool captain over his comments about John Terry. Mourinho dropped Terry for Chelsea's 4-0 Champions League victory over Maccabi Tel Avi last night, and according to Gerrard, there are problems between 'behind the scenes'. He told BT Sport : "There's certainly a bit of friction behind the scenes. For me, you play John Terry week-in, week-out because he's your captain and such an important figure in the dressing room. If Chelsea want to be successful, they need John Terry in there". As a former captain himself, Gerrard - who earns £77k -a-week at LA Galaxy - will obviously feel this way (!), but if ...

Transfer Stunner: LFC legend talked to 'world-class' €43m playmaker about 'signing for Liverpool'.

In March, Liverpool legend Ronnie Whelan urged Liverpool to make an improbable attempt to sign German superstar Toni Kroos, and according to Reds hero Steven Gerrard, the club actively tried to sign Kroos prior to his move to Real Madrid. In a column for The Herald , Whelan bemoaned Liverpool's 'squad depth', and noted: "I would love to read that Tony Kroos has decided to come to Anfield. It would be fantastic to see a class act like that set up camp on Merseyside". Liverpool were linked with Kroos (who's now worth €43m according to CIES Football Observatory) throughout 2014, and in his new autobiography, Gerrard confirms : "Brendan asked me to talk Kroos into signing for Liverpool. We both admired [him], and we had a nice little exchange of texts [but]  he would soon sign for Real Madrid.   I said well done and good luck." Signing a players like Kroos - hailed by Rodgers last season as a 'world-class player - remains a pipe dre...

Anfield Saviour: Gerrard insists 'wonderful' £18m star must start for Liverpool 'ASAP' because he's 'vital'

After eight defeats in the last sixteen games, Liverpool fans are understandably pessimistic about Brendan Rodgers' ability to take the club to the next level, but according to Reds legend Steven Gerrard, things can only get better, and there's no to 'panic'. Speaking to Radio City on Tuesday, Gerrard admitted that he's 'dejected' by the 'performance and result' against Manchester United, but insisted that things will get better when one of the club's key players return to the fold. He explained: "It’s vital Daniel Sturridge is back playing and firing as soon as possible. "I think the key is the partnership he forms with Benteke because if they click together there’s plenty more big games to finish high up in the league". In theory, Gerrard's view makes sense, but it's underpinned by two major assumptions: * Sturridge will stay fit long enough to score goals consistently for Liverpool this season. * Benteke and...

Carra raves: £300k-a-week superstar can be best 'of all time'. Better than Gerrard?

For the first time in its history, the Wales national team is on the brink of qualifying for the European Championships, and after his vital winning goal against Cyrus last night, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is convinced that Bale is close to becoming one of then 'great British players of all time'. Reacting to Bale's thunderous winning goal, Carra explained : "He [Bale] has already achieved an awful lot, but if they [Wales] qualify when other great Welsh players could never achieve it. [then that] shows the accomplishment. "If he [Bale] could be successful in terms of winning titles & the CL [with a Prem club] we could be putting him right at the top of list of great British players" . Carra is spot on here (IMO). Bale - reportedly on £300k -a-week - is already one of the great British players of modern times, but if he continues his achievements over the next five years, the sky is the limit. Bale is definitely a 'world-class' pla...

Stoke 6-1 LFC: Annihilation and humiliation for Liverpool...with one huge positive

Brendan Rodgers calls it 'bitterly disappointing', but Liverpool's 6-1 annihilation at the hands of footballing superpower Stoke City is infinitely worse than that - it's absolutely catastrophic; a total humiliation, and is, by far, the most inexcusable LFC result in my lifetime. The only thing worse than losing 6-1 would've been seeing Raheem Sterling come on as a substitute and soil the occasion even more. Kudos to Rodgers for sticking to his guns on that point. The Mercenary should never play for Liverpool again, and the sooner he leaves, the better. I could easily tear the team and the result to shreds, but to be honest, there's no point. Liverpool's problems are blatantly obvious, and fans - myself included - have been highlighting the issues all season. There's plenty of time for the inevitable inquest, and I personally prefer to let a day or two pass before sifting through the wreckage. I also prefer to concentrate on the sole bright s...