Steven Gerrard was fired by Aston Villa in a brutal 41-word statement following his team’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Fulham.
The former England captain, Steven Gerrard was fired just 11 months after succeeding Dean Smith at Villa Park.
Supporters had long turned against Gerrard, who was humiliated in front of members of the Villa hierarchy in the directors’ box at Craven Cottage.
The message on the club’s website was short and to the point. ‘Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Steven Gerrard has left the club with immediate effect,’ the statement read.
‘We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well in the future,’ said a club spokesman.
Gerrard signed a three-and-a-half-year contract worth around £5.5 million per season, but despite winning four of his first six matches, Villa finished with only 32 points from 31 games in 2022.
They spent £52 million on net transfers in the summer but are still above the relegation zone on goal difference alone – hardly what billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens had in mind when Sawiris said three years ago that the’sky is the limit’ for Villa.
When it comes to replacing Gerrard, Villa will take that stance. They are willing to pay one of Europe’s highest salaries to attract an elite coach, with Thomas Tuchel also available after leaving Chelsea earlier this season.
It is unclear whether Pochettino or Tuchel would be willing to move to a club in danger of relegation, but Villa are determined to compete at the top and will provide significant financial support to the new manager.
Gerrard appeared to be aware that the game at Fulham was over. ‘It’s difficult,’ he said. I’m a man, I accept it, I understand the fans’ frustrations, and I’m frustrated myself.
‘It was a difficult night for me.’ We’ll have to wait and see what happens. I’m a fighter; I’ll never, ever give up, whether it’s in football or in life.’
Steven Gerrard was fired by Aston Villa in a brutal 41-word statement following his team’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Fulham.