Steven Gerrard: Aston Villa job is a 'risk'
Stuart Hodge
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:54 CDT
- 6 min read
Steven Gerrard has acknowledged that leaving Rangers for Aston Villa is a "risk" in his first interview as the Premier League club's new manager.
The former Liverpool hero signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the to join the Villa Park club on Thursday.
Gerrard ended Rangers' decade-long wait for a Scottish title last season and is approaching his new challenge with enthusiasm.
"Aston Villa sells itself – an iconic football club," Gerrard told VillaTV. "I know [it] pretty well from the outside, and I'm very much excited to get involved inside and start building relationships.
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"I like a challenge. I like a risk. It's something I'm really looking forward to getting into. This club will suit me because I know the fans are very passionate and there's a demand and pressure to win. That's something I've lived with since I was 17."
Villa made contact with Gerrard and his representatives and it didn't take the negotiations too long to be concluded.
The 41-year-old admits it was too good an opportunity to turn down and thanked Rangers for helping to facilitate his move.
"Very crazy. Very quick. But when you're in that situation, the last thing you want is for it to drag out," Gerrard said of the quick appointment.
"I was first aware of Aston Villa's interest on Wednesday, I had a call from my representation, and when the phone call sunk in, I wanted this to happen very quickly, because first and foremost the opportunity was too big.
"From there it happened really quick. Credit to Villa, the speed they got things done. Not just me, the staff that I'm bringing as well. I must also pay my respects to Rangers, who were very professional in the deals as well."
Gerrard: Smith is a tough act to follow
It's obviously a big step up to move from managing in the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League and a successful stint at Villa would put Gerrard in pole position, surely, to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield when the German's tenure comes to an end.
Gerrard is only focused on what's in front of him though, and paid tribute to predecessor Dean Smith – who has just been appointed as Norwich boss – for his work.
Gerrard said: "I have to respect that the leagues are very different in terms of level, but I've learned a lot over the past three-and-a-half years.
"I've lived under that pressure and demand to win. There was a big building job to be done, and I can walk away with my head held high.
"Going into another league, that's something we'll adapt to. I want to win every game that I play in, now my priority and focus – and everything I will give on a daily basis – will be for Aston Villa.
"I must take this opportunity to mention Dean Smith, because he's someone I've got a lot of admiration for.
"I can't control how things happen, but the success he's had here – and the respect – and the local connection, it's going to be a tough act to follow."
"One thing I can guarantee the supporters, the players and the staff here: when I commit to something, I'm all in."
