The management of Aston Villa made the decision immediately after the game: Gerrard is not seen as the man who should take the club out of relegation worries.
“We thank Steven for his hard work and commitment. We wish him the best in the future,” it sounds in a short statement. Dendoncker came on after 70 minutes, Alexander Mitrovic (ex-Anderlecht) had just made it 2-0.
Gerrard, 42, had been in charge of Aston Villa since November last year. Before that, he was head coach of the Scottish Rangers for 3 years, after he started his coaching career with the youth of his ex-club Liverpool.
Last season Gerard led Aston Villa to 14th place. Only on goal difference will Villa avoid relegation places this season. Number 18 Wolverhampton also has 9 points. Leicester has 8, Nottingham Forrest 6.
Gerrard is the fourth manager in the Premier League to pack up his stuff this season. Previously it happened to Scott Parker (Bournemouth), Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea) and Bruno Lage (Wolverhampton).
The management wanted to take a step forward with Gerrard as a replacement for the popular Dean Smith, but the reality is different. Smith, who brought Villa back to the Premier League in 2019, had to leave after 5 seasons last year when he was 15th with 10 points from 11 matches.
Gerrard has only won 12 of his 32 Premier League games. Villa captain John McGinn raised his hand. “It’s shameful what we bring, it has nothing to do with the coach. The players have to look in the mirror.”
In the corridors, the name of Mauricio Pochettino sounds as a possible successor, the Argentinian successfully coached Tottenham and PSG last season.
