Steven Gerrard’s first Aston Villa interview: ‘Aston Villa sells itself - an iconic football club’

Aston Villa’s new Head Coach Steven Gerrard spoke to the official club website for the first time since his appointment in a fantastic 12:14 interview.

The Liverpool legend spoke in depth about his decision to move to the west midlands, calling Villa an ‘iconic football club’ and his excitement and enthusiasm for the role was clear to see throughout.

It may have been an appointment that came as a shock to a few initially but after the twelve minutes were up, it comes apparent just why Gerrard has been the man tasked with taking this great club forward.

“Aston Villa sells itself. An iconic football club,” the former England midfielder said when stating his reason for leaving Rangers to join the claret & blue.

“I know it pretty well from the outside and I’m very much excited to get involved on the inside and start building relationships.

“The excitement levels are really, really high. I’m very hungry, I’m very ambitious and the start can’t come quick enough.”

Gerrard added that the move came about really quickly but it wasn’t one that he could turn down.

“It was crazy and it was very quick.

“I was first aware of Aston Villa’s interest on Wednesday. I had a call off of 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 and from there it happened really, really quick.

“Credit to Aston Villa - the speed they got things done and not just for me but the staff I’m bringing with me as well.

“And I also must pay my respects to Rangers who were very professional with the deals as well.”

Maybe the most telling part of the entire interview was when the 41-year-old referred to his coaching style and how he’s taken bits from each manager he’s worked under.

From Sir Kenny Dalglish to the late Gerard Houllier, he’s certainly played under some of the best.

And although he alludes to some of those names, he was also quick to heap praise on former Villa manager Dean Smith, who he says he has taken a lot from in his short managerial career to date.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of elite managers, a lot of world class managers,” Gerrard added.

“I think it’s very important for me to be myself and put my own stamp on things but what I will say and what I am guilty of is taking things and learning a lot from all the managers that I’ve worked with.

“Not just the ones I’ve worked with from a close point of view, managers from around the game.

“I must take this opportunity to mention Dean Smith because he’s someone that I’ve got a lot of admiration for, a lot of respect for.

“I obviously can’t control how things happen or what has gone on before me but I think the success he has had here at the club and the respect he has gained - and I also appreciate the local man and the connection.

“It’s going to be a tough act to follow and I respect that.”

You can watch the full 12:14 sit down interview with new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard here.