Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says Liverpool fans "don't want me to be the manager", with the Reds legend throwing his support behind underfire Jurgen Klopp following a string of poor results.
Liverpool legend Gerrard recently guided the Glasgow club to a first Scottish Premier League title in 10 years, denying Celtic a 10th successive crown in the process.
His success comes at a time when Klopp, who guided Liverpool to a first English title in 30 years last season by a margin of 18 points, presides over an alarming slump in form that has seen the Reds lose eight times in the league since January and dropped to eighth in the Premier League table.
Speculation in the British media has suggested Gerrard, who made more than 700 appearances for Liverpool during a distinguished playing career, could replace Klopp, who has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Joachim Low when he steps down as Germany boss after the European Championship this summer.
Klopp, who also guided Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2019, ruled himself out of the Germany job at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
"The Liverpool fans don't want me to be the manager," Gerrard told ITV News. "They want Klopp to continue to be the Liverpool manager - and I'm totally with them.
"We shouldn't talk about this. We have one of the best managers leading our club at the minute.
"I've got a job here. I don't think it's helpful to talk about this and I hope Jurgen stays at Liverpool for many years."
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Six Premier League defeats in a row at Anfield
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Liverpool's terrible run of form at Anfield started against Burnley on January 21, with a 1-0 defeat. Forward Mohamed Salah clearly didn't enjoy the occasion. Getty -
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker looks dejected after the Burnley defeat. Getty -
Burnley's Ashley Barnes celebrates with Josh Brownhill and Dwight McNeil after scoring the winning goal that started the Liverpool slide. Getty -
James Milner looks down after the second successive Premier League at Anfield, a 1-0 win for Brighton on February 3. Getty -
Andy Robertson trudges off after losing against Brighton. Getty -
Robert Sanchez did the damage, scoring the only goal of the game for Brighton. Getty -
Alisson Becker and his team-mates had another miserable night on February 7, as Liverpool were hammered 4-1 by champions-elect Manchester City at Anfield. Getty -
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool lduring the third defeat in a row for Liverpool at home. Getty -
Raheem Sterling celebrates one of the four Manchester City goals. Getty -
Another painful night for Liverpool on February 20, as can be seen in the expressions of Georginio Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah, after a 2-0 defeat by Mersey rivals Everton. Getty -
Jurgen Klopp consoles Andrew Robertson,and Divock Origi after the Everton defeat. Getty -
Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane celebrate Everton's win at Anfield. Getty -
The fifth defeat in a row in the Premier League at Anfield came on March 4, when Chelsea won 1-0. Forward Roberto Firminho struggles to hide his feelings. Getty -
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho looking glum after the Chelsea defeat. Getty -
Chelsea's Mason Mount celebrates their winning goal. Getty -
Six Premier League defeats in succession at Anfield, a club record. Mohamed Salah looks dejected after the 1-0 defeat by Fulham, a team in the relegation places. Getty -
Naby Keita after the Fulham defeat. Getty -
Antonee Robinson of Fulham celebrates with team-mate Ola Aina after their famous win. Getty
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Gerrard, 40, spent 17 seasons at Liverpool as a player and won the Champions League title in 2005. He also worked for the Merseyside club as a youth coach before taking charge of Rangers in 2018.
"Liverpool is my club. I had a great journey. Is it a dream for me to one day be Liverpool manager? Yes, it is, but not yet and who's to say I'll ever be good enough."
Rangers face Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday in the Czech Republic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, take on RB Leipzig on Wednesday in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie in Budapest.
The tie was switched to the Hungarian capital due to travel restrictions to the UK caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
