Rio Ferdinand says he’s ‘hearing’ Aston Villa players have been ‘super impressed’ with Steven Gerrard’s training methods and players now have a ‘clear idea’ of their tactical approach
- Steven Gerrard has won first two Premier League games as Aston Villa manager
- Rio Ferdinand said Villa players have been impressed with Gerrard’s staff
- Villa face Manchester City, Leicester and Liverpool in next three league games
- Gerrard insisted his team won’t get carried away after two straight wins
Steven Gerrard has had an instant impact at Aston Villa, where his players have been ‘super impressed’ by his coaching staff and training sessions, according to Rio Ferdinand.
The former Liverpool captain replaced Dean Smith in the Villa Park dugout earlier this month and has enjoyed a flying start to his life as Premier League manager.
Villa had lost five games in a row prior to Gerrard’s arrival, but are now on a two-game winning streak after beating Brighton 2-0 at home last week and winning 2-1 at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Steven Gerrard has won both of his two first games as Premier League manager
The win at Selhurst Park lifted Villa up to 13th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, albeit 18th-placed Burnley have a game in hand after their clash with Spurs was postponed because of inclement weather.
The swift turnaround in results is testament to the former Rangers manager’s methods and vision, which Ferdinand believes have revitalised Villa since his arrival.
‘I’m hearing some really good, good vibes that are coming out of Villa, the way that they’re training,’ the former Leeds and Manchester United defender said on his VIBE with Five podcast on Monday.
The former Liverpool captain saw his Aston Villa side win 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday
‘They’re super impressed with his coaching staff.
‘The clarity with which they’re training, they’ve got a clear idea what they’re going to do.
‘[They are] Enjoying the sessions and getting the results right now, so there’s some positive stuff right now.’
Aston Villa players have reportedly been very impressed with Gerrard’s training methods
Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister (left) is part of Gerrard’s coaching staff
In just under three weeks at Villa Park, Gerrard hasn’t been afraid to make big calls.
On Saturday, he handed veteran winger Ashley Young his first start of the season since August, after the 36-year-old had helped set up a goal against Brighton the previous week.
Similarly, the Villa manager showed a ruthless edge by dropping Danny Ings and Emi Buendia – who cost a combined £68 million in the summer – to the bench for the trip to Selhurst Park.
The 41-year-old has insisted Villa won’t get carried away on the back of two successive wins
Sterner tests await Gerrard starting from Wednesday night, when Manchester City travel to Villa Park.
The Premier League champions’ visit precedes a home fixture against Leicester on December 5, before what is sure to be an emotional day for Gerrard as Villa visit Anfield six days later.
The former Liverpool captain, however, isn’t looking too far ahead.
‘This is a level where you need to remain concentrated and focused,’ the 41-year-old said following his side’s 2-1 win over Palace.
‘One thing we won’t do is get carried away on the back of two wins.
‘I’ve worked extremely hard to get to this position, so I want to give it the best shot from a personal point of view.’