TIN HATS AT THE READY
As a Red legend, Gerrard knows he’s in for a real Blues ear-bashing today
STEVEN GERRARD knows he is in for a right ear-bashing at Goodison Park today.
The Liverpool and England legend goes back as manager of Aston Villa with his tin hat at the ready.
He is expecting to get almighty grief as a dyed-inthe-wool Red after 17 years across the way at Anfield.
The last time Gerrard stepped out in combat at the famous old stadium in the blue half of Liverpool was seven years ago.
It is a ground where the crowd is touch tight but he insists, as a cornertaker with Liverpool, he is used to being up close and personal with the enemy.
Gerrard said: “I’m sure it will be a cauldron and a top atmosphere. When the fans get behind the team at Goodison it is loud and noisy.
“I’d like to wish it would just be banter but I think you know and I know that won’t be the case!
“It’s a fantastic atmosphere. I’m looking forward to the game. I’m focused on the game. I haven’t really thought about it too much from a personal point of view or what’s going to come my way.
“But listen, I’ve been there and heard it before and it’s absolutely no problem.
“It’s tight there but I was a set-piece taker at Goodison when I played. So taking corners, I was within inches and feet of the Gwladys Street End on many occasions.”
The fixture hardly needs any more spice with Everton facing their first match since Duncan Ferguson was made caretaker manager after the sacking of Rafa Benitez.
But just sprinkle in the fact that Stevie G’s assistant Gary Mcallister was an Anfield favourite, along with new signing Philippe Coutinho. Then add to the mix that Villa just made a £25million raid on Goodison to land left-back Lucas Digne.
Gerrard said: “We expect a tough game but I’m sure they are looking forward to it just as much as I am.
“Obviously with Rafa leaving and big Dunc taking the reins – I’m sure that will add a bit of spice, a bit of edge to the game.”
Gerrard reckons appointing Ferguson as interim boss was a no-brainer. He said: “He was the obvious choice. He took the reins before and got a fantastic reaction from the fans and the players, and got some really impressive results.
“He has an aura and a presence, for sure. He’s a competitor. So am I. If that adds a bit of spice and a bit of edge to the game, fantastic.”
Gerrard has to decide whether to start Coutinho after his dramatic impact off the bench against Manchester United last weekend.
“I’ve got a big decision whether to build on his cameo in terms of minutes or put him in from the start,” Gerrard said.
But another Kop old-boy who will not be turning up at Villa is striker Luis Suarez. Gerrard dismissed speculation that he was about to swoop for the controversial Uruguayan.
He added: “During these windows everyone puts two and two together and a lot of names are bandied around and stuff.
“I know Luis extremely well. He’s top class and has been a world-class footballer throughout his career, so I understand the links.
“But we’re not after a centre-forward – Luis or anybody else – in this window.”