It is said that "love covers a multitude of sins". It seems to be how this Steven Gerrard's "home coming" is panning out— everyone loving the story of a famous English footballer, former captain of a big club,Liverpool, who himself commanded respect world over, coming back,as a coach, to the league he served so well as a player.
As I write he is currently coaching his first game for Aston Villa(so it's not like I am judging from any result he has at Villa), the club that wooed him away from Rangers FC of Scotland where he was previously coaching- his first coaching role in senior team management. He did so well in Scotland, breaking records and setting same. My post( @ogeewitty/breaking-news-its-steve-g-time-now ) on his appointment by Villa highlights some of his achievements with Rangers.
Now this season was meant to be that season where he will consolidate on his impressive work with Rangers and ensure a proper structure they can build on, even if he has to leave after this season. He had not done that, he has left almost mid-way through the season. Rangers' fans were left gobsmacked in the negative sense. Okay, you would say it's normal, it's the emotions of loosing someone you feel one with, a coach who has turned around the club's fortunes so well. However, some Rangers' fans are more logical and calculated in their disappointment with Gerrard– quite simply they note that he abandoned a bubbly project at a crucial time or he left the project prematurely.
Rangers currently leads the Scottish Premier league with four points with their eternal rivals Celtic in second place. They also have a crucial Europa cup match to play this week that will determine their advance or otherwise in Europe.
Today he has chosen Aston-Villa, a side that is struggling slightly after Jack Grealish, their previous captain, left this summer for Manchester City in a big money move. Having watched Gerrard's methods with Rangers, I don't see how he can do so much with Villa. This is the "sin", I have to highlight. I must say the previous Villa coach, Dean Smith, didn't fair too badly and it is one reason Norwich City signed him only a week after Villa ditched him.
I am saying Steven Gerrard is taking an unnecessary risk! What's the point? You were not invisible in Scotland, England was taking note and talk was rife of your taking over from Klopp. Yes the competition in Scotland is not as intense as England, but it is a blessing in disguise to help you grow, plus the league has improved dramatically in quality,since you came in. Another thing is that Celtic employed a new coach in Ange Postecoglou who offers you more of a world class competition. You have not competed against his Celtic side,which will definitely sharpen/improve you,for a full season and you think Villa is the el-dorada.
So yes, I conclude that Gerrard has taken a huge risk, Villa can't even necessarily boast of better players than Rangers and we must note that, truth be told, Gerrard underwhelmed in Europe throughout his stay in Rangers. I don't expect him to be able to withstand the Klopps,the Peps, Tuchels and all. It is so easy to tarnish you coaching image, it would be hard to give excuses if Villa doesn't necessarily improve under him. By the way, Villa won't hesitate to wield the sack hammer.
Well I later discovered after writing this post,that Steven Gerrard won his first match 2 nil against a brilliant Brighton side. Like I said I didn't consult with his performance at Villa before writing this post. Well I also noticed that Dean Smith has also won his first match as Norwich boss beating a tough Southampton side.
My two cents.
Cheers