Steven Gerrard has been explaining why he jumped at the chance to take another coaching “risk” at Aston Villa, with the Liverpool legend delighted to be back in the Premier League at a club that “sells itself”.
The former England captain had been cutting his managerial teeth at Old Firm giants Rangers, with a Scottish Premiership title secured at Ibrox in 2020-21.
He had previously spent time working in the youth system at Anfield and continues to see a return to his native Merseyside mooted, but for now his focus is locked on proving a point in the West Midlands.
Discussing his decision to succeed Dean Smith with Villa’s official website and how he has progressed to this point, Gerrard has said:
“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 Rangers 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 in to.
“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.”
