When Steven Gerrard left the Rangers in the middle of last season to join Aston Villa, many viewed the job as a sort of audition for him to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool one day. Well, as far as auditions go, this one has gone completely wrong for the Englishman, who is in danger of beating former Celtic rival, Brendan Rodgers to the sack.
Aston Villa suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Chelsea, with Mason Mount at the double for the Blues. The result leaves Gerrard’s side just a point above the relegation zone. That is not where you would expect them to be, considering the quality of their squad.
On the other hand, Brendan Rodgers, who departed Celtic in the middle of a campaign himself, has struggled badly at Leicester City, and faces a potential sack as well.
Aston Villa fans have turned on Gerrard, as the former Rangers manager struggles to get results, and they have made their feelings be known on Twitter:
No acknowledgement to the fans yet again, no care in the world. Gerrard out
— liv (@_livmorris) October 16, 2022
Gerrard out. Say what you want about the players, the manager is a big factor in ensuring they get the best out of the players. Gerrard isn't capable.
— Jay (@JayVtid) October 16, 2022
Don’t think I’ve met a single villa fan who’s not Gerrard out
— Macky (@mackenziejt_) October 16, 2022
Gerrard could get sacked before old Celtic rival Rodgers
It remains to be seen how long Aston Villa give Gerrard, as it does not look like things are improving at the club much under his management.
The performance vs Chelsea was surprisingly positive but at the end of the day, they drew a blank in front of goal and could not get the result, even when Graham Potter’s side were there for the taking for much of the first half.
On the other hand, Leicester City might find it a bit more easier to continue trusting Rodgers, because of the brilliant record that he has as a manager. He has even won an FA Cup and a Community Shield with the Foxes, as well guided them to the Europa League on two occasions.
Gerrard simply does not have that sort of track record, and even his time at Ibrox produced one domestic trophy out of a possible nine.