Steven Gerrard's return to Liverpool as Aston Villa manager ended in a 1-0 defeat on Saturday. 

Mohamed Salah's 67th-minute penalty proved to be all that separated the title-chasing Reds and mid-table Villa at Anfield.

Gerrard sits third on Liverpool's all-time appearance list on 710, with only Jamie Carragher (737) and Ian Callaghan (857) ahead of him. He won 11 trophies with the Reds during his playing career, including the Champions League in 2005.

Jurgen Klopp said in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the former Liverpool midfielder would 'definitely' be managing the club himself one day, 'and that is good for everybody'.

What did Gerrard say after the game?

When Gerrard emerged from the tunnel ahead of the match, he was greeted by applause from the Liverpool supporters at Anfield.

Asked about the reception from Kopites after the game, the 41-year-old insisted that his 'priority is the support from the Aston Villa fans'.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed his comments, and here's how a selection of Reds responded, with one branding the Villa manager's words as "weird".

Liverpool fans critical of Gerrard

"Stupid answer to be honest. He didn't have to do that, no Villa fan would have been angry if he thanked the fans for their support. He's putting up too much of an act it's unnecessary. Maybe it's a British thing, this is what Rodgers would do."

Credit: @lfc_eddie

"He goes overboard to look professional like Carra."

Credit: @sonofanfield1

"I know he has to be professional but he’s just being so weird"

Credit: @jurgeners

"Trying too hard, literally just say it was nice to hear and move on."

Credit: @VigoGJ

"Trying so hard to be liked by Villa fans. Doesn’t need to hide the fact he loves Liverpool"

Credit: @Mike_Hampson10

"Wow, he’s really trying his best to be disliked by Liverpool fans."

Credit: @AlexdelPaso

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