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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is reportedly one of the leading candidates to replace Dean Smith as Aston Villa manager.
Smith was sacked last week after Aston Villa suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in the Premier League, leaving them languishing in 16th spot, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
The 50-year-old was appointed Villa boss in 2018 and helped the side gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season in charge. The following season, he came close to guiding Aston Villa to their first trophy in almost two decades. He led the club to the final of the League Cup, where they were beaten by Manchester City.
After an 11th-place finish in the league last season, Villa have failed to kick on this campaign despite spending heavily in the summer, and Smith was dismissed following their 1-0 loss to Southampton.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, is leading the race to take over as Smith’s replacement as Villa narrow their search for the Englishman’s successor. The former Liverpool and England midfielder has a contract with Rangers until 2024.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez is also reportedly on the shortlist to become the next Villa manager.
Gerrard has done a wonderful job at Rangers since taking the reins in 2018, helping end Celtic’s domination of the Scottish Premiership. Under the former Liverpool midfielder, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership without losing a single match last season.
It marked their first league title in 10 years and 55th top-flight crown overall. During the course of the season, Gerrard also oversaw back-to-back derby victories over Celtic and prevented the Hoops from landing a 10th successive league crown.
Gerrard is widely being tipped as a potential successor to Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, but until that day comes, he is unlikely to get a much better role than Villa.
The Villa hot-seat will come with plenty of expectations though. The club have spent heavily the past few seasons as they look to climb up the Premier League ladder and secure European football. Gerrard will undoubtedly be allowed to splash the cash at Villa, and will be expected to build on the work Dean Smith has done by ensuring a top-eight finish in the coming seasons.
The Villa job will be a huge step up for the former Liverpool man, but if he does have his sights set on the Anfield hot-seat in the future, he should jump at this opportunity.
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