Steven Gerrard has insisted he did not take Aston Villa make a “stepping stone” to become Liverpool boss later in his management career.
In his first press conference since left his position at Rangers to replace Dean Smith at Villa Park, the former Liverpool captain said he was “proud” and “honored” to be back in the Premier League as head coach.
Gerrard has signed a contract with Villa until 2024, around the same time that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s deal closes at Anfield.
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“You’ll never hear me say it’s a stepping stone,” Gerrard said ahead of his first game in charge of Villa against Brighton on Saturday.
“For me, I am truly honored and proud to take on this position. I am everything and I will give this job everything it takes to make it successful. I will commit 100%.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having dreams and aspirations. But Liverpool have a world-class coach they are very pleased with. [Klopp] is to sign a lifetime contract with Liverpool now. I will be very happy for them and for him. “
Gerrard takes over at Villa’s side, which have had a disappointing start to the season and are on a five-match losing streak.
He left Rangers after leading the Ibrox team to their first Scottish championship in 10 years and the first unbeaten season in the club’s history in the previous campaign.
“The opportunity to return to the Premier League and be close to my family are two main reasons why this was the right decision for me,” said Gerrard.
“It was a difficult decision [to leave Rangers] and I leave with a heavy heart. It’s a club that I have a lot of respect for. The opportunity comes to another iconic club and I think it’s important that this press conference is about Aston Villa. It was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
“In terms of Liverpool, this press conference shouldn’t be about any club other than Aston Villa. Everyone knows how much Liverpool means to me but my focus and commitment is at Aston Villa. I agree and all Villa fans should know That’s the case.”
Gerrard will return to Anfield as manager for the first time when Villa travel to Liverpool in the Premier League on 11 December.
Before England The international revealed that he received a congratulatory message from Klopp upon his appointment as Villa manager, after the pair worked closely as Gerrard managed Liverpool Under-18s in the first step of his career. Coaching in 2017.
“I’ve been in contact with Jurgen since day one, since he arrived at Liverpool,” Gerrard said. “We live in a similar area and I run into him often when he walks the dog.
“He sent me a text and he said he’s looking forward to a big hug on December 11, so that’s to be expected.”
Gerrard said his short-term goals at Villa are to get the club back to victory and out of the relegation zone, but revealed he wants his side to play an “exciting” brand of football that will be the first time he manages. in the Premier League.
“We’re going to play a little bit differently than before. I want to put my own stamp on things, my own philosophy and identity, and that’s going to take time,” he added.
“You will see some changes at the weekend but we are looking forward to the first game. It will be difficult because Brighton are going well, but we are also a good team and we are looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s a fresh start, it’s a fresh start. I’m not going to dig into the previous games. I told them to impress me in the best way they could. We were. had a meeting about expectations and attitudes from the players.
“I’m going to have my own way of playing, of how I want them to look like possession and possession. I want my teams to be fun to watch and entertaining. We’re going to be a team based. on possession. When we can convert to that, time will tell.”
