Steven Gerrard pays incredible homage to Jürgen Klopp and calls for lasting Liverpool tribute

Steven Gerrard has paid an incredible tribute to outgoing Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The German will take charge of the Reds for a final time on Sunday when Wolves visit Anfield, on what is sure to be an emotional occasion for all concerned.

Klopp has been at Liverpool for nine years and has led the club to the Champions League and Premier League. This season will end in third spot, with the Carabao Cup already secured earlier in the campaign.

A host of tributes have been paid to Klopp this week as he prepares to bid farewell with Gerrard now following suit. And the former Liverpool captain believes he deserves a statue at Anfield to recognize his legacy.

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Gerrard recalled being asked to play in a friendly match against Sydney FC in 2017 alongside Jamie Carragher, with Klopp managing a team that also featured first-team players. He told Sky Sports: "Myself and Jamie were invited to represent the first team in Australia for an exhibition match.

"He was stood in front of us and giving the tactics. We got a small segment of what he would be like to play for.

"I remember thinking 'I would pay any amount of money and do anything to represent this guy for one year'. This was a friendly match but I flew into that game like it was a cup final.

"I hope to God there is a statue in the making because he deserves it. You mention Bill Shankly, Joe Fagan, Rafael Benítez, all the ones who have delivered huge trophies for Liverpool. It is very difficult to achieve those accolades. He is right up there with the best for sure."

Gerrard had left Liverpool the summer before Klopp's arrival to join LA Galaxy. He later returned to coach the club's Under-18s and has spoken very highly of Klopp's impact on his own managerial career.

Klopp was asked about a potential statue in his press conference on Friday, responding: "Do I think I need it? Definitely not. I am not sure what Bill [Shankly] or all the other guys thought.”

Sky Sports pundit Carragher also paid his own tribute, adding: "The number one in Liverpool supporters' eyes is Bill Shankly because he built the club from the second division. I almost feel that Jürgen is the Shankly of this era because of his legacy. He made the people happy."

Liverpool.com says: Gerrard could have played under Klopp, had he not left a few months earlier, but the pair have continued to have a great relationship. Many Liverpool supporters will share their captain's view that a statue should be on the cards for the German. It would be the perfect way to celebrate his tenure.