Villa role is not a stepping stone to the Liverpool job, says Gerrard - but the bookies disagree

Paul Okey
21 November 2021

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is a clear favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield despite assurances he is committed to the Villans.

Ahead of Steven Gerrard's first game in charge of Aston Villa - which ended in a 2-0 win over Brighton - it was the managerial hotseat at Anfield not Villa Park which provided much of the focus at his unveiling.

"You'll never hear me say this is a stepping stone, I am extremely honoured and proud to be in this position," said Gerrard who left Rangers on the back of their first Scottish title in ten years.

He continued: "Liverpool have a world-class coach that they are very happy with and if he signed a lifetime contract I would be very happy."

It was a masterclass in public relations but it didn't wash with the bookies who have slashed the price on Gerrard to be next Liverpool manager to 6/4.

The former England midfielder did let his guard down slightly when saying: "I don't think it's wrong to have dreams and aspirations."

And with Jurgen Klopp now six years into his Liverpool tenure, it's not hard to imagine what they are.

The main danger to Gerrard taking on his dream role at Anfield - apart from having an absolute stinker at Villa - is another former Liverpool player in Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard is currently in charge of Real Sociedad's second team, who he led to promotion from Segunda Division B in May.

Alonso, who made 143 appearances for the Reds, has been slightly more forthcoming about his ambitions, saying: "I have ambition to manage an elite team, but I am in no hurry." He is priced at 11/2 to take over from Klopp at Anfield.

For Gerrard, his initial concern will be to prevent Villa getting sucked into a relegation battle. His new side are currently just two points above the drop zone ahead of a home meeting with Brighton.

The bookmakers see little to fear there, however, with Planet Sport Bet pricing Villa at 5/1 to suffer relegation this season.

But if it doesn't work out for Gerrard, there's always international management. The 41-year-old is 12/1 to be named the next England manager after Gareth Southgate.