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LONDON. — As a Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard won almost every football trophy bar the English Premier League and despite urging Jurgen Klopp’s men to end the club’s 29-year wait for the title this season he admits it will not ease his personal pain.

Gerrard, now manager of Scottish giants Rangers, famously slipped to hand Chelsea the opener of a 2-0 win at Anfield in April 2014 with Liverpool on course to win the league. “This wound has been open since my experience. I’m not sure it’ll close because I can’t change that experience,” Gerrard, who left Liverpool after 17 years as a player in 2015, told reporters.

“It doesn’t affect how I feel now. I look at a squad of players, some of whom I’m still friends with.

“I see a support that gave me absolutely everything from the terraces and around the world.

“I just hope for their sake, and mine as a supporter, that come the end of the competition they are victorious. But it won’t make me or my wound feel any different.”

Klopp’s side have been accused of letting the pressure get to them in recent weeks.

“My advice, having been a player in that team and playing for those supporters for so long, would be don’t overthink it. Just enjoy it. Believe in yourselves,” added Gerrard. “I think it is only normal for the supporters. They want it more than anyone. They will help. The players have to see it as a help rather than a hindrance.

“When we were in that situation, I didn’t feel suffocated from the fans. I actually felt they were right behind us and with us and wanted it so much. — AFP