Steven Gerrard disclosed that he turned to legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for advice after his dismissal from Aston Villa.
The former Liverpool midfielder faced the axe in October 2022 amid Villa’s struggle, winning only two league games and edging towards relegation. Gerrard’s departure paved the way for Unai Emery’s arrival, leading Villa to secure Champions League qualification.
Reflecting on the challenging period, Gerrard admitted seeking counsel from others. One significant figure he approached was his former rival, Ferguson. In an interview with the Telegraph, Gerrard recounted their conversation and the wisdom he received.
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“I am not one to shift blame or point fingers. It’s not my approach, which is why I needed time to process the setback. It affected my confidence to some extent. It did,” Gerrard explained.
“I consulted with several managers about it. I spent a few hours with Alex Ferguson, and he advised me, ‘Take your time, don’t rush into anything. Reflect on it, analyze it,'” Gerrard revealed.
Despite the setback, Gerrard emphasized his unwavering ambition. He acknowledged that his coaching journey didn’t follow a predefined path, but rather unfolded organically based on his passion for the sport.
While Gerrard experienced disappointment at Villa, he emphasized taking full responsibility for the outcome, reaffirming his commitment to growth and learning in coaching.
Following his departure from Villa, Gerrard assumed the role of Al Ettifaq boss in the summer of 2023. In his debut season, he guided the club to a commendable sixth place finish in the Saudi Pro League.