How former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard reacted as Jurgen ...

Former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has responded to Jurgen Klopp's decision to step down as Liverpool manager, a job he was once strongly tipped to take on himself after taking the reins at Villa Park.

The former Reds captain shared a simple message on Instagram, reposting the club's announcement with just a red heart emoji.

Jurgen Klopp, 56, is set to leave Liverpool this summer after nine years in charge. Xabi Alonso, who's been doing well at Bayer Leverkusen, is one of the names linked with the job.

In 2021, Klopp himself praised Steven Gerrard, then the Villa head coach, for his work at Rangers. He even suggested Gerrard could be a future Liverpool manager. "Oh yes I do, absolutely. The only thing is when is the right moment for that." Klopp said.

READ | How new FFP shake-up could impact Aston Villa transfer plans

READ | Morgan Rogers offers perfect Aston Villa transfer audition

He added: "I think that Stevie is doing really well and he's very young from a manager's point of view so it's just when is the right moment for him to take the job. Yes, I believe it will definitely happen and be good for everyone."

Gerrard, 43, was appointed to the role of Villa boss back in November 2021 following the departure of Dean Smith, but remained at the club for less than a year after he was relieved of his duties in October 2022. Villa had won just two of their opening 12 games in the 2022/23 season and sat in 16th place within the Premier League at the time.

After his exit from Villa Park, Gerrard took a break from the managerial hot seat for around nine months before following Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema in accepting lucrative offers to join the Saudi Pro League. The former Liverpool midfielder was named as Al-Ettifaq boss in July and oversaw the additions of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray throughout the summer window.

Bookies reckon Alonso is the top pick to take over from Klopp when he departs the club in May.

Will Steven Gerrard ever manage Liverpool? Tell us what you think

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.