Opinion: Gerrard wasn’t ready

Steven Gerrard was appointed in the middle of last season in November 2021. He was supposed to bring a refreshing view and perspective. As a man of the future after winning the Scottish League with Glasgow Rangers the season before. However, yesterday was his final day as the Aston Villa Manager.

Gerrard have certainly a legacy on the pitch for Liverpool. Nevertheless, he hasn’t been long or seasoned as a manager yet. He went quickly and fast into the role as manager in Aston Villa. Maybe he wasn’t prepared for the challenge.

Some might say he never had the time or ability to implement his sort of squad or tactics for the matter. Aston Villa was supposed to be a top 10 or trying to reach the top 6 in a short space or time. However, Gerrard wasn’t the character for this club.

Aston Villa was supposed to reach new heights and build the club even further. It made it further seems like Gerrard was using the club as a stepping stone. This was just a place for him and a building his CV. Instead of delivering or trying to excel here.

Gerrard was a supposed legend and he should later become the successor of Klopp in Liverpool. That must have been an Achilles heel for him. Since, how could he build or be a future man for Villa when he was just in the waiting to return to Liverpool.

Here is a big name that failed in his role. It is likely that he wasn’t the fit in the first place or his name was to big for the role his occupying. Gerrard should have considered this and tried to connect himself more to the club. He needs to build trust and confidence. Especially, after the board got rid of respected and a man that had delivered for Villa in the past. This being the newly sacked manager Dean Smith.

When Gerrard came from Rangers he had just achieved a title and gotten the club back to the European Competition. Nevertheless, he didn’t have back-to-back titles in the Scottish League. He was able to return Rangers to prominence, but that was expected. It isn’t like Rangers is a small or insignificant club. It wasn’t like Airdrieonians Football Club or Airdrie from a small-timer to a big shot over years. No, he restructured Rangers and got them back.

Gerrard should have footed himself differently. Stevie G shouldn’t have experimented as much as he did. He was also unfortunate to loose Grealish. He got the players which was bought in his stead. Some of them wasn’t able to push or get into the Premier League that fast. This has hit him hard and his own signings hasn’t hit the ground running either.

Gerrard maybe went to high and to fast. Stevie G needs to prove himself and be more consistent. He needs to prove that his able to re-ignite and deliver astonishing results. Gerrard cannot just think his name can carry it all. It is proven now that it’s not enough. Then he will do like Wayne Rooney and end up in the MLS. Instead of where he wants to be at.

Gerrard needs to re-think his ways and how he operates to able to succeed as manager. Gerrard could easily end up like Solskjær and be “untouchable” after the final stint in Manchester United. Even if he did deliver a second place during his tenure. Because, you need results and prove that your progress. There is a need to show character and will to thrive. In this here game, there is nothing given to you. The manager always has to prove and evolve. Never be stagnate and be gullible.

It seemed like for the last two months that Gerrard was a “dead man walking” and a “sacked in the morning” type of guy. The latest was the crushing defeat against Fulham after dozens of bad results. He didn’t deliver and the club don’t have the time to wait on promise. They need returns and they need it quickly. Gerrard didn’t deliver stability or progress. He only made it seem worse and now was in the midst of a downturn. Not the sort of outlook he came in with.

Gerrard needs to take a challenge and needs more experience. He needs to touch lower levels League’s and managerial experiences there. He needs to show that he can carry the weight and succeed. Because, if he does and returns to another club with that baggage. Gerrard might have a chance of redemption.

Since right now… it’s grim and looking bad for him. He looks like a sorry man who was to early out and wasn’t ready. He needs to get prepared and have the tactical skills to outsmart his competition. That wasn’t it in Aston Villa and that’s why his gone. Peace.