Gerrard focused on a win as he returns to Anfield
Steven Gerrard admits he will be happy to give up his hero status at Liverpool on his return as Aston Villa manager.
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard enjoyed a stellar 17-year senior career there, guiding the Reds to Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup glory with his talismanic performances.
Gerrard – who scored 186 goals and had 145 assists in 710 appearances for Liverpool between 1998 and 2015 – returns to Anfield just a month into his reign as Villa boss with a “smile on my face” but determined to play down the occasion.
“The noise is for other peopletogetexcitedabout,forme it’s about preparing the team in the best way I can to try and get a positive result for Aston Villa,” Gerrard said.
“Everyone in that stadium will know me well enough to knowwhatI’maboutandwhat I’m going to Anfield for.
“I’m going back to a club where I spent many years and it brings a smile to my face for a couple of reasons.
“One, I’ve got a good relationship with a lot of people at the club. I had a fantastic time there, a really good journey, I’m a local boy.
"It was the team I supportedgrowingupandIwillalways support that team.
“But at the same time it brings a smile to my face be
cause I’ve got the opportunity to go there and compete against a good team and a good manager and try to win the game.
"That’s my only focus.
“If I’m on the bus heading back down the M6 towards Birmingham and I’m not the most popular at Anfield, so be it.”
Gerrard has won three of hisfirstgamesinchargeofVilla,withtheonlysetbackbeing a 2-1 home defeat to champions Manchester City.
Liverpoolpresentthesame sizeoftaskasCitydid,withJurgen Klopp – who put Gerrard inchargeoftheReds’Under-18 team at the start of his coaching journey – overseeing a run of six consecutive wins with 17 goals scored and only two conceded.
“Liverpoolareinafantastic place and on top form, we’re aware of the challenge and how difficult it’s going to be,” said Gerrard, who described 20-goal Mohamed Salah as “100 per cent the best player in the world now”.
“Butwe’vegottotakeconfidenceandbelieffromthestart that we’ve made.”