Mersey Insider: Liverpool legend’s dream over, Everton star Baines is back and Moreno happier

What’s been happening in the world of football on Merseyside this week? Jennifer Atherton gives us the scoop . . .

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Gerrard returns?

Steven Gerrard’s first season at LA Galaxy is already over and the rumours of a return to his beloved Liverpool are making the rounds. The Reds legend will be at Anfield at the weekend for the visit of Crystal Palace where he will meet with Jürgen Klopp, who has already told the midfielder that the “door is always open” for him.

Liverpool fans shouldn’t get too excited just yet as their new boss has pretty much ruled out a playing return, but has invited him to train at Melwood with the squad to maintain his fitness. One interviewer asked: “Do you think he should play (for Liverpool) at this moment or next year?” Klopp replied: “No.” I think that puts an end to those rumours, then!

Baines boost for Blues

Everton’s 6-2 win against Sunderland last week was their biggest win in eight years. Having only scored six goals in their previous six league games it was quite the turnaround . . . and the fans at Goodison Park certainly enjoyed it! Arouna Kone delighted with a hat-trick and Gerard Deulofeu looked much more like the player fans believed him to be in their first league win since September.

One thing the fans are crying out for, however, is a little stability. Defensively the Toffees have struggled so, naturally, supporters were delighted to hear the news that Leighton Baines has been back training with the first team this week. A November return is looking likely for the 30-year-old and, with Phil Jagielka currently ruled out long term, Baines’ vital experience and impact on the team could be just what Everton are missing.

The People’s Club

Football fans are often in the news for the wrong reasons, but a Sunderland fan’s letter about his experience at Goodison Park has made for great news this week. Black Cats supporter John Marshall, 59, thanked rival fans for their “warm welcome” and “kindness”, confirming Everton are fitting of their self-proclaimed title of ‘The People’s Club’. John, his son and a friend valued their trip to Merseyside so much that they thought the club should know about it.

And they offered up a strong message for the highly scrutinised world of football. John wrote: “Football is not about Fifa, huge salaries or ego, but rather the real people who give so much to their sport and expect so little.”

Raging Moreno

Alberto Moreno is the latest Liverpool player to speak out over his dislike of previous manager Brendan Rodgers. Following criticism from Lazar Markovic, the 23-year-old Spaniard revealed his former boss left him with “inner rage” and he couldn’t see why he wasn’t getting a chance. It has left many Liverpudlians are starting to wonder just how negative an effect Rodgers had on the squad.

Of course with charismatic Klopp now at Anfield, it is a stark comparison and right now everyone is happy. Moreno is certainly more positive, remarking that since the German manager arrived “it has been 100 per cent change. Everything is totally different.”

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