Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as their new manager, the club announced yesterday. Dean Smith was sacked by the club in the aftermath of his fifth successive league defeat. Aston Villa are languishing in 16th place, with just three wins and only two points above the relegation zone.
Dean Smith guided Aston Villa to a respectable 11th placed finish last season after narrowly avoiding relegation the season before. But no team has lost more league games in 2021 than Aston Villa, and that acted as a trigger for Smith’s departure. Losing Jack Grealish was always going to be a big blow for the team and despite investing heavily in the summer, they haven’t been able to replace him. It’s easy to see why Villa are suffering this season without their star man and out-of-form/injured replacements.
Steven Gerrard chosen to take Aston Villa forward
Steven Gerrard is a man who needs no introduction in the Premier League. Gerrard retired as a player in 2016, and after a spell with the Liverpool Academy, joined Rangers in 2018. In his 3 and a half years in charge, Gerrard turned the fortunes of the club. He guided them to their first league title in 10 years last season, ending Celtic’s run of nine successive titles. Rangers also finished the campaign unbeaten. This season, 13 games in, Rangers are again sitting top, four points clear of rivals Celtic.
The 41-year old has been admired for his free-flowing attacking style of football. This is what he had to say, “Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach.
“In my conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the Board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club. Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”
Gerrard’s first match will be at home to Brighton after resumption from the international break. All eyes will be on Anfield on 11th December, when Gerrard takes his Villa side to Anfield. It will be his first managerial encounter at the ground where he spent 17 seasons as a player. Many see him as the rightful heir to Jürgen Klopp’s throne at Anfield.