Some thoughts on Steven Gerrard & #AVFC.
Gerrard had a successful spell at Rangers playing with attacking full backs & a narrow front three. This style led him to the league title (undefeated).
His narrow, defensive mid block (flat 4-3-3) also proved effective in Europe.
Gerrard had a successful spell at Rangers playing with attacking full backs & a narrow front three. This style led him to the league title (undefeated).
His narrow, defensive mid block (flat 4-3-3) also proved effective in Europe.
As his spell at Rangers was successful, I assume he tried to replicate that at Aston Villa.
He first game - up against a Brighton team who look to dominate the ball - was the perfect opponent for Gerrard to implement his defensive shape, whilst offering a threat on transition.
He first game - up against a Brighton team who look to dominate the ball - was the perfect opponent for Gerrard to implement his defensive shape, whilst offering a threat on transition.
This positive result combined w/ the new Manager bounce led to 4 wins in his first 6 games.
Results became slightly more inconsistent and it became apparent that the full backs did not have the creativity required to execute the game plan. The tactical role of the midfielders
Results became slightly more inconsistent and it became apparent that the full backs did not have the creativity required to execute the game plan. The tactical role of the midfielders
(Dropping to the full back areas) did not suit McGinn or Ramsey.
Villa began to struggle to break down teams who were happy to let them have the ball. I assume this - in part - led to the arrivals of Digne & Coutinho.
Two experienced, creative players.
Villa began to struggle to break down teams who were happy to let them have the ball. I assume this - in part - led to the arrivals of Digne & Coutinho.
Two experienced, creative players.
Those signings (although Coutinho was an initial loan) were a step away from Villa’s previous recruitment model (generally signing players U25).
The appointment of Gerrard (continued improvement…) and the signings of experienced players changed the focus of the club to…
The appointment of Gerrard (continued improvement…) and the signings of experienced players changed the focus of the club to…
‘Win Now’. The focus (pressure) changed slightly and Gerrard became frustrated with his teams inconsistency and a perceived ‘weak mentality’. Around this period Gerrard was emotional in some of his post match press conferences (Wolves away seemed a crucial moment).
From the outside it appeared that Villa would have a large player turnover in the summer. This didn’t really materialise. Villa got their signings in early but struggled to move on some of their fringe players.
The loss of Beale also seemed to be major blow…
The loss of Beale also seemed to be major blow…
This season, Gerrard ended up in a slightly awkward position. He had spent months convincing the players to adopt a style that ultimately proved unsuccessful. He also publicly criticised the squad but had to work with pretty much the same group…throw in the captaincy situation..
And the injuries and the start of the season couldn’t have gone much worse. From there it was always going to be an uphill struggle.
You can see how 2-3 moments can impact a Manager’s future.
Despite this, I don’t see why Gerrard can not go on to be a success elsewhere.
You can see how 2-3 moments can impact a Manager’s future.
Despite this, I don’t see why Gerrard can not go on to be a success elsewhere.
He needs to find himself a new assistant Manager. Preferably one who is comfortable coaching a possession based team (and possibly change his defensive set piece structure 😬)
For Aston Villa (it has been said by people who follow them a lot closer than me) they appear
For Aston Villa (it has been said by people who follow them a lot closer than me) they appear
To want to act as a ‘big club’ rather than a smart club. Their owners are willing to pay large wages & transfer fees which could put them at an advantage in the transfer market. But it has led them to some fairly poor acquisitions.
Coutinho showed during his loan spell that he now struggles with the pace of the Premier League. Digne hasn’t been much of an upgrade on Targett and the signing of Ings continues to cause the club selection issues..they now have an unbalanced squad lacking in certain profiles
(a pacey, direct Winger, for example (who isn’t Leon Bailey…)).
This is a key moment for the club. An appointment they really need to get right.
Which leads to the question: who will make this appointment? And I guess that is part of the problem…
This is a key moment for the club. An appointment they really need to get right.
Which leads to the question: who will make this appointment? And I guess that is part of the problem…
Obviously it is a joint decision at other clubs but the footballing decisions are usually led by the footballing staff (DoF/Sporting Director). At Aston Villa that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Ultimately this is one of the reasons why the club is in the position they are in.
Ultimately this is one of the reasons why the club is in the position they are in.
Gerrard mentioned recently that data plays a big role - behind the scenes - at Aston Villa. Yet the signings of Ings, Coutinho, Digne, Carlos don’t really scream data to me…
It appears that the club do not function as one. The data doesn’t influence decisions, the
It appears that the club do not function as one. The data doesn’t influence decisions, the
Sporting Director & CEO are not on the same page (guessing).
Until problems like this are solved then the club may continue to struggle.
Following on from Smith didn’t feel that complicated (despite the behind the scenes issues). Following on from Gerrard feels a lot tougher.
Until problems like this are solved then the club may continue to struggle.
Following on from Smith didn’t feel that complicated (despite the behind the scenes issues). Following on from Gerrard feels a lot tougher.
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