What did Steven Gerrard say?
Speaking to the club’s official website, the newly appointed head coach said, “I think Aston Villa sells itself.”
“An iconic football club that I know pretty well from the outside and I’m very much excited to get involved inside and start building relationships, get on the training pitch and get started.
“The excitement levels are really, really high. I’m very hungry, very ambitious and the start can’t come quickly enough.”
“I think going through all the coaching courses is obviously challenging and takes its time, but I think the important thing when you are transitioning from player to coach is to start from the beginning.
“I think a lot of players, from what I’ve seen, think maybe because they’ve had a decent playing career they automatically think they can roll into a coaching role or a managerial role and all of a sudden they’re going to be really good at it.
“For me, it was about starting from the beginning and putting the blocks in place; really learning from the start, going away from the cameras initially, taking the youth team at Liverpool, they were a big support to me.”
“That gave me a couple of years of real pitch experience, to get comfortable preparing sessions, delivering sessions and leading the team.
“And then obviously the [team 62] opportunity came, which was really big, again, another iconic club.
“And for me, I like a challenge, I like a risk, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to getting into.
“I think this club will suit me because I know the fans are very passionate. I know there’s a demand and a pressure here to win, that’s something I’ve lived with since I was 17-18 years of age.
“So, for me, it’s about making everyone come together and be unified, and I believe we can do exciting things together.”
“I think coming to Villa, competing against Villa for many, many years, I know the size of the club, the standards that are already here.”
“I know many of the players, I played for [team 18645] with a lot of the players, I played with [player 165], who I’ve spoken to, I know [player 1450] very well from his time at Liverpool when I was a coach.
“So I’ve done a lot of homework and education around the club, but having Gary as my assistant, of course, he spoke very highly of not just the club – the size, the history and the tradition – but the people. The people are very supportive, they’re very welcoming.
“As I say, the club sells itself, but having someone like Gary with that education and that experience has been valuable.”
How are the next few fixtures for Aston Villa?
It’s not the most favourable next few games for Aston Villa. They host a [team 78] side this Saturday who are 7th in the League and were brilliant at Anfield against Liverpool. [coach 452683]’s side are very hard to play against due to their quick passing and movement. The seagulls are having a great season so far and considering [team 15]’s current form, it will be a difficult first game for Gerrard.
Following Brighton, the villans will go to Selhurst Park where another Premier League icon is doing a great job. Under [coach 460451], Palace have progressed well. The transition from a low-block and long-ball side, to a more composed and well-drilled pressing side, has been excellent. This will be another hard game for Aston Villa.
Considering what’s next, the first two fixtures might look slightly easier. Post [team 51], Gerrard’s side will face [team 9], Leicester and Liverpool. The games against Man City and [team 42] will be home fixtures before they take onto Anfield to play against [team 8].
The first few games for [coach 50] are tough. However, a typical new manager bounce could see his side pick up crucial points and probably a shock result as well. There are no easy games in this league and the football world cannot wait to watch Gerrard in the [league 8].
Author: Devashish Akolekar
