The Liverpool captain will make his final Anfield appearance on Saturday against Crystal palace before departing for LA Galaxy, but his manager says the 34-year-old’s exit will not be permanent.
Gerrard will play his final home game for Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Saturday before moving to MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of the season.
The Liverpool captain, who has played for his boyhood club for 17 years, has already indicated his desire to return to Merseyside as a coach and Rodgers was adamant that that was a very real possibility.
Rodgers has revealed he has already spoken with Steven Gerrard about a possible return to Liverpool in the future.
“Steven leaving here isn’t permanent,” Rodgers told reporters. “He’s somebody I’d love to have working with me when he has finished playing.”
“That opportunity for him to come back will be there for as long as I’m here.”
“I’ll miss him. [He] played 42 games in my first season, 39 last season and 38 so far this season. That shows his value and importance.”
“I asked a lot of my staff to describe Steven in one word. I’d use the word ‘Liverpool’. He’s very much about looking after his people.”
“What Steven has given to this city, politicians haven’t given to this city. He’s a wonderful symbol for the people.”
“He’s irreplaceable but we have to keep moving forward as a club and as a team.”
The boss was asked about a potential loan return for Gerrard and Rodgers added: “It’s not something we have spoken about. Our focus has been on finishing the season strong.”
Gerrard has started in just 23 Premier League games this season, but Rodgers revealed: “There’s a fairly good chance Steven will play (against Palace).”
The manager was also asked about how difficult an opponent will Crystal palace turn out to be and Rodgers made it clear that he is well aware of the threat posed by Alan Pardew’s men.Rodgers said,”I think Alan has brought in a real offensive side to their game. He’s done exceptionally well since he’s gone in there, but it’s not a surprise to me because he did exceptionally well at Newcastle United.”
“Sometimes it’s only when people leave that you can really analyse and see the job they did. I thought he did an incredible job if you think, he took them to fifth in the league with the resources and everything he was working with.”
“He obviously decided to move back to London he’s a London man and Crystal Palace is his club. I think he’s gone in there and revitalised them, made them more aggressive in attack, maximised what he’s getting out of the players and has done a wonderful job. We’re well aware of the threat and we know it’ll be a tough game.”
