Steven Gerrard has admitted that in a 'perfect world' he wouldn't have walked out on Rangers for Aston Villa mid-season.
And the former Ibrox boss insists he totally gets the frustration and anger felt by sections of the Gers support when he quit just a week before last season's League Cup semi final. The former England star led the Light Blues to the 2020-21 Premiership title but less than six months later he quit for Villa.
Gerrard admitted that the timing was far from ideal but the chance to manage in the English Premier League and to be closer to his family was too good an opportunity to turn down. Gerrard, who was sacked by Villa in October, said: “In a perfect world I would never have left that way and I completely understand the frustrations that the club and supporters felt when I left Rangers.
“When the opportunity arose, as well as being able to manage a club of Villa’s stature in the Premier League, the chance to be nearer to my family was very important in my decision making. There were also members of my coaching staff who were eager to test themselves in the Premier League.”
One of his coaching staff, Michael Beale, is now in the Ibrox hot seat. Gerrard has no regret over his move to Villa Park that ended prematurely. He has since held talks over the Poland national job and admitted he has had other opportunities since he left Villa.
Speaking to the League Managers Association magazine, added: “They (Villa) gave me an opportunity in the Premier League and it was a successful experience initially because we achieved the rest of guiding the team away from the bottom of the table to safety.
“I’ve had time to analyse and reflect thoroughly on the challenges of our second season. In football you have to learn from your mistakes and take strength from success. You have to recharge, wait and be patient for the right moment to return. I’ve been offered opportunities to manage at club and international since I left Villa, including an exciting opportunity in an overseas league, but none have been right for me at this time.”
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