AdminSteven Gerrard has admitted he would have benefited from gaining more managerial experience before taking charge of Aston Villa in 2021, revealing he wishes he had managed another “couple of hundred” games before making the move to the Premier League.
The Liverpool legend joined Villa after three and a half years at Rangers, where he enjoyed considerable success, including winning the Scottish Premiership title.
However, his time at Villa Park proved difficult, with the former England captain lasting just 11 months before being dismissed.
Gerrard managed only 13 victories in 40 games, leaving Villa close to the relegation zone before his departure.
Unai Emery subsequently transformed the club’s fortunes and guided them towards European qualification.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Rangers, Gerrard admitted to Sky Bet: “Yes, possibly. I would accept that opinion. It’s open to debate, because I’d done three and a half years in Scotland.
He acknowledged that managing in the Premier League presented challenges he had not fully anticipated, admitting that his experience at Villa changed his perspective on the demands of coaching at the highest level.
“It can unravel extremely fast. It can shock you. So my advice to coaches, I don’t know whether the likes of Frank (Lampard) and Michael (Carrick) agree with this, is experience is key.
Get as many games as a coach and a manager as you possibly can before your opportunity comes.
Gerrard added that, with hindsight, he would have gained more experience before accepting the Villa job, although he recognised how difficult it is to turn down such opportunities.
“I’ve got to go and get those games and those experiences and learn and grow. But these opportunities come, and when you get the call, you have to make that decision in the moment.”
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