Steven Gerrard was officially presented to the media as Aston Villa Head Coach for the first time on Thursday morning.
CEO Christian Purslow and Sporting Director Johan Lange joined the 41-year-old on stage at Villa Park to take questions on the appointment.
Here are some of the key quotes from the press conference…
Steven Gerrard
“First and foremost, it’s an extremely proud moment for myself. It’s an honour to be the Head Coach of this football club. The last seven to ten days have gone extremely quick and it’s been a really happy time for me because of the opportunity to be back in the Premier League and the opportunity to be closer to my family. They’re the two main reasons why this was the right move for me.”
On his message to supporters: “Be prepared to get behind us. I’ve played here on many occasions and the atmosphere’s been top. They really get behind the team and give them a huge lift, and I’ve felt that. It’s been tough to play against this team and this support. It’s a fresh start and I hope that Villa Park is rocking and roaring at the weekend. Myself, my staff and the players need to thrive off it and go and give them a performance to be proud of. There’s a motto at the club, ‘Be Prepared’, and we certainly will be.”
On taking the job: “I got a call from my representation and was made aware of Aston Villa’s interest. It was a very exciting call to receive. I then had to get myself prepared to meet and impress both owners, Christian and Johan. I didn’t sleep very much as I prepared to convince them that I’m the right man for the job. I thank the owners for their trust and the opportunity. My promise to them is that I’ll do them as proud as I can.”
“The club was the reason I wanted this job – the iconic stature of the club. I’ve known this club for a very long time. People on the outside maybe think me and Christian are best mates and that we go to the cinema together, but that’s not the case. I’ve known Christian for the past decade and we’ve bumped into each other on a few occasions. I expect nothing different from Christian than when I played: real honesty, the truth and constructive criticism. I don’t fear that. I always want the truth; I always want honesty. They’re two values that I live by on a daily basis – that’s the same for Christian, Johan and the owners. I think that’s got to be the case at this level of the game. I’m really looking forward to working with them to put this club in a better position than it is as of today.”
Christian Purslow
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Steven with us. The feeling is one of excitement. His drive, his determination, his constant pressing to be the best that he can be are qualities we think will fit well with our own football club and this stage of our evolution. We were lucky enough to have numerous applications for this position. Managing Aston Villa is one of the most prestigious jobs in football, anywhere. For Steven to come through that, be offered this position and take this position is a fantastic moment in our club’s history.”
On the club’s expectations: “We were quite clear when Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens acquired the club three years ago, when we were sitting around the middle of the Championship, that we set a five-year plan. The mantra of that plan is that we must be improving. Improving our performances, improving our results, improving our finishing position. We’re just over three years into that journey, and I think Steven’s arrival will reignite the club, push us forward. We made no secret of the fact that this club is one of a tiny number of British clubs to win the European Cup. Playing in Europe is something that’s an exciting dream for our fans. When that happens, we shall see. But what we expect, and what Steven has promised to deliver, is continuous improvement in our team and I’m certain he’ll do that.”
Johan Lange
“At first we established the relevant criteria for our new Head Coach and then we analysed a long list of around 20 coaches. Those findings were presented to the board and we agreed on a shortlist of four coaches who we would like to have conversations with. We had conversations with all of them and Steven was outstanding throughout our meetings.”
