Steven Gerrard has been appointed the Head Coach of English Premier League side, Aston Villa. He takes over from Dean Smith
By Kehinde Okeowo
Aston Villa have appointed former England and Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, as the new manager of the club.
He takes over from Dean Smith who was sacked recently after losing five English Premier League games in a row.
Before his appointment, Gerrard was the manager of the Scottish club, Rangers, who won the league last season and are currently top of the league.
Villa have played eleven League games this season, out of which they have won three, drawn one, and lost seven. They are 16th on the league table with 10 points from a possible 33 points.
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They made Gerrard their top target as they attempt to climb away from 16th place, two points above the relegation zone, after finishing 11th last season.
His first assignment will be at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on November 20, and he will take Villa to Anfield on December 11, in what will be an emotional return.
Gerrard, speaking after his unveiling, thanked Rangers for the opportunity given to him to serve and called Aston Villa a club with an ambitious plan.
In his words: “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 [the owners] Nassef [Sawiris], Wes [Edens], 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 allowing me 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. Wishing players, staff, and supporters the very best for the future.”
He has a connection at Villa to Christian Purslow, the Chief Executive, who worked as Liverpool’s Managing Director at the time Gerrard was at the club.
Purslow, who said Gerrard’s ambition matches that of the club also referred to the time he spent working with young players at Liverpool as he welcomed him to Villa.
“He then took the brave decision to test himself in the intense and high-pressured environment of the Scottish Old Firm. His subsequent achievement in winning the Premiership title with Glasgow Rangers caught our eye as did his experience in Europe.
“It has been very clear in our discussions that Steven’s coaching ambitions, philosophy, and values entirely match those of Aston Villa. We are excited he has agreed to lead us in the next phase of our ambitious plans as we look to build on the progress made since Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens took over the club in 2018.” Purslow said
