Steven Gerrard confirmed as Aston Villa boss - here’s when he will return to Anfield to face Liverpool

The Reds hero was confirmed as the new boss of the Villans on Thursday.
By Will Rooney
Published 10th Nov 2021, 14:30 GMT
Updated 11th Nov 2021, 11:27 GMT
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Steven Gerrard has been confirmed as Aston Villa’s new boss.

The Liverpool legend was spotted leaving a train in London on Wednesday ahead of holding talks with the Villa hierarchy.

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And the midlands club have been successful in prising Gerrard from Rangers. He’s signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Villa Park.

“Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach,” Gerrard told the club’s official website. “I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.”

When will Gerrard return to Anfield?

It means Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League-winning captain will return to Anfield in the opposite dugout - and he’ll be back fairly soon.

Gerrard will face the Reds for the first time in his career when Villa make the trip to Merseyside in the Premier League on Saturday, 11 December (15.00).

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It’ll be a strange scenario and the encounter should have added motivation and incentive for both teams.

Gerarrd will be forced to pit his witts against one of the world’s best managers in Jurgen Klopp - the man who gave him a start in coaching with Liverpool’s youth teams.

Liverpool player Steven Gerrard (2nd L) shakes hands with coach Jurgen Klopp after being substituted during their end-of-season friendly football match against Sydney FC at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney on May 24, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)Liverpool player Steven Gerrard (2nd L) shakes hands with coach Jurgen Klopp after being substituted during their end-of-season friendly football match against Sydney FC at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney on May 24, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool player Steven Gerrard (2nd L) shakes hands with coach Jurgen Klopp after being substituted during their end-of-season friendly football match against Sydney FC at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney on May 24, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Gerrard has forged himself a fine reputation at Rangers and led the Ibrox outfit to the Scottish title last season.

However, a battle with Klopp would be a significant step up for the ex-England captain.

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The reverse fixture at Villa Park takes place on Saturday, 16 April.

Background

Gerrard is one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. In total, he played 710 times for his boyhood club, scoring 186 goals.

During his time at Anfield, he led the Reds to Champions League glory over AC Milan - hailed ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ - in 2005, as well as claiming two FA Cups, three League Cups and the UEFA Cup.

Steven Gerrard lifts the Champions League after Liverpool’s triumph over AC Milan in 2005. Picture: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty ImagesSteven Gerrard lifts the Champions League after Liverpool’s triumph over AC Milan in 2005. Picture: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images
Steven Gerrard lifts the Champions League after Liverpool’s triumph over AC Milan in 2005. Picture: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images

Gerrard left Liverpool in 2015 to join MLS side LA Galaxy before retiring two years later.

He returned to Liverpool to take charge of the under-18s before landing the Rangers job in 2018.

Many believe Gerrard is the ideal successor for Klopp whenever he eventually vacates the Reds hot seat.

Related topics:Steven GerrardAston VillaRangers