Management style
Decent, honest, what you see is what you get, firm but fair man-management… Or that appeared the case until the 41-year-old scurried away from Rangers in the 21st-century version of a laundry basket to leave a bad taste in the mouth and accusation of gross hypocrisy after Gerrard had laughed-off suggestions he was about to leave Ibrox just days before doing just that.
Always has the fall-back of having largely been there, seen it, done it at Liverpool – barring a Premier League title of course – should his authority be challenged on the training pitch or in the dressing room. Whatever his protestations to the contrary, Stevie G’s audition for the Anfield gig has duly begun.
Tactical hallmarks
Gerrard’s Rangers regularly overwhelmed opponents by setting up with a well-drilled 4-3-3 to get numbers forward quickly. Having prospered with that approach against weaker opposition in Scotland it will be interesting to see whether the new Villa boss continues with such methodology in the Premier League. His philosophy relies on and emphasises full-backs contributing both goals and assists from a defence which rarely sits too deep.
Players who could benefit
Emi Buendia, the player brought in to fill the considerable void left by the summer departure of Jack Grealish to Manchester City, has yet to justify his hefty price-tag. Getting the South American to fire on all cylinders will be high on Gerrard’s priority list, as will helping England forward Oli Watkins to recapture his best form.
John McGinn, a player Gerrard tried to sign for Rangers, should thrive under a manager who will know exactly how to continue to get the best out of the midfielder who is playing some of the best football of his career for both club and country.
One thing he needs to work on
Connect with supporters. He doesn’t quite need to adopt a faux-Brummie accent and start fondly recounting unforgettable nights down the Hummingbird, but Gerrard could do with getting the fans on board as quickly as he can.
With the departure of Grealish and now Dean Smith, the club has lost a little bit of its soul in the shape of two local heroes made good, but who are now gone. Gerrard has all the credentials to become another Villa legend, and he knows a few decent early results will help speed that process… starting with Brighton at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
January transfer targets
Gerrard could further inflame his now severed relationship with the blue half of Glasgow by raiding his old club for reinforcements. Ryan Kent could cut it south of the border, as could young defender Nathan Patterson.
Let’s hope for the sake of Villa fans everywhere the new manager isn’t working under the misapprehension that Alfredo Morelos is anywhere near good enough to play in England’s version of the Premier League… because, in this humble reporter’s opinion, he clearly isn’t.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3x24T0w
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