PRESSURE? I’ve lived with it since I was 17...
STEVEN Gerrard is relishing the challenge of resurrecting Villa’s Premier League fortunes as he prepares to take charge of the club for the first time against Brighton on Saturday.
Gerrard paid tribute to his Villa predecessor Dean Smith but is in no doubt about the size of the task he faces, with the club languishing in 16th place after five consecutive defeats.
“I like a challenge, I like a risk, and this is something I’m really looking forward to,’’ said Gerrard.
“There’s a pressure here to win – that’s something I’ve lived with since I was 17, 18 years of age.
“I think this club will suit me because the fans are very passionate. For me, it is about bringing everyone together to believe we can do exciting things together.
“Dean Smith is someone I’ve got a lot of admiration and respect for. I see the success he’s had here and the respect he’s gained. It’s going to be a tough act to follow.
“I think everyone knows I’ve got the job for a reason. The form of late has dipped and, for me, it is very much a case of getting involved and analysing the squad close up, because there is a lot of talent.’’
He added: “There are two ways to look at pressure. You can shy away from it, fear it, let it affect your behaviour and emotions, or you can be really excited about it and put your shoulders back and front it head-on.
“The more united we are and the more together we are, we can face all of that pressure together.
“The players just need to express themselves, be themselves, listen to the information to try and be the best they can be collectively and individually, and leave the pressure for me, that’s my job, that’s what I get paid for.
“How this team plays and behaves and what it does is on me. They’ve just got to help me by committing to what I want from them.”
Gerrard said his appointment was never in doubt after hearing of Villa’s interest, bringing a swift end to his role at Rangers, whom he steered to their first Scottish title in a decade last season.
“It was crazy and very quick. I was first aware of Aston Villa’s interest on the Wednesday,’’ said the 41-year-old.
“I had the call off my representative and, when the phone call sunk in, I wanted it to happen very quickly. First and foremost, the opportunity was too big and, from there, it happened so quickly.
“Credit to Aston Villa for the speed in which they got it done, not just for me but the staff I’m bringing with me as well. I also must pay my respects to Rangers, who were very professional in the deals.
“Yeah, very crazy, very quick, but when you’re in the situation, that’s what you want, you don’t want it to drag on. You want to start working as quickly as you can.”
Gerrard revealed why he opted to leave Ibrox: “Aston Villa sells itself, an iconic football club that I know pretty well from the outside. I’m now excited to get involved inside and start building relationships on the training pitch.
“The excitement levels are really, really high. I’m very hungry and ambitious and the start can’t come quickly enough.”
Gerrard insists there will be no split emotions when he takes his new side to Anfield to face former club Liverpool next month.
He is braced for a wave of interest in the fixture but maintained: “I don’t think me or anyone else will be able to control the noise. For me, that’s not important.
“What is important is the chance to go to Anfield and win, to take maximum points, which is the attitude and mentality we will have going into every game. It is what it is.
“I want to win every game. My priority and focus, and everything I will give on a daily basis, will be for Aston Villa. One thing I can guarantee the supporters, the players and the staff here is that when I commit to something, I’m all in.”