• Former Liverpool captain says ‘it’s a bit soon’ for him to manage Dons • 36-year-old midfielder could soon take up academy role at Anfield club

Steven Gerrard has said the chance to begin his managerial career with MK Dons came “a bit soon” to take up the challenge.

The former Liverpool captain, who left the Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy last week, held talks with the Dons chairman, Pete Winkelman but revealed the time was not right to succeed Karl Robinson as the League One club’s manager.

Speaking to BT Sport, Gerrard said: “I’m just taking a bit of time to consider what’s next, exciting times moving forward.

“I spoke to MK Dons. I had a chat with the chairman, it’s a very exciting job for somebody else but it’s a bit soon for me. But it’s true, I did speak to them.”

The 36-year-old could now take up a coaching role at his former club, possibly working at the academy. Jürgen Klopp has made no secret of an open invitation for Gerrard, should the club legend want to hang up his boots. Gerrard, however, is still to decide whether to continue his playing career.

Klopp had previously said: “Steven Gerrard – and this will be a really big surprise – is always so welcome at Liverpool FC. You cannot imagine how welcome so absolutely no problem, but everything we will talk to each other about will stay in these talks. That is how I know Stevie and that is how I am. Nobody should be worried that we don’t have space for Steven Gerrard. Everything will be fine, 100%.”