Steven Gerrard wants Aston Villa to be playing in European club competitions again and has quashed any hype surrounding his former club Liverpool by saying his new position is not a “stepping stone” to managing at Anfield.
In his first press conference as Villa boss ahead of the club’s clash with Brighton on Saturday, the former Rangers manager said it was an “honour” to have taken up the role and feels “extremely proud” to be a head coach in the Premier League.
His first task will be to reverse the club’s poor run of form, with the now-Norwich head coach Dean Smith having been sacked after five consecutive defeats with Villa two points above the relegation places.
After games against Crystal Palace (November 27), Manchester City (December 1) and Leicester City (December 5), the Liverpool legend will travel to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s side on December 11, but Gerrard was quick to silence any excitement surrounding a return to his former club.
Gerrard said:
“In terms of Liverpool, again I don’t think this press conference should be about any other club but Aston Villa, I think we have to show respect to our supporters.
“I think everyone knows all around the world what Liverpool means to me but my focus is very much on Aston Villa. I’ve said that I am all-in and I can promise our supporters that that’s the case.
“I think first and foremost it’s an extremely proud moment from a personal point of you, it’s a real honour to be the manager of this football club.”
