Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has made a sensational return to Premier League. Gerrard, who spent the last three and a half years in charge of Scottish powerhouse Rangers, was named the new manager of Aston Villa on Friday.
According to the club’s official announcement, Gerrard inked a contract until the summer of 2025. The 41-year-old former England captain will succeed Dean Smith, who was fired earlier this month after a five-game losing streak that threatened to drag the club into the relegation battle.
“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,” Gerrard said in a statement. “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.”
Gerrard is facing a tough challenge with Aston Villa, being tasked to help his team meet big expectations after a significant summer transfer window investment. After selling Jack Grealish to Manchester City, the club invested money in several high-profile signings, including winger Leon Bailey, midfielder Emiliano Buendia, and striker Danny Ings. But despite this, Villa struggled in domestic competition and is currently sitting at number 16 in the Premier League with just three wins and 10 points from 11 games.
Steven Gerrard made his first managerial steps with Liverpool’s Under-18s team before taking over the Rangers ahead of the 2018-19 season. He found great success in Scotland and is credited for re-establishing the club as a force in Scottish Premiership. This included guiding the Rangers to an unbeaten season in 2020-21 and their first title in 10 years.
Gerard spent the majority of his playing career with Liverpool, helping The Reds to win the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004-05 and setting the record for most games as the club’s captain with 473. He also spent two years in MLS, playing for LA Galaxy between 2015 and 2016.
