Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has criticised the theory that Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is using his first Premier League role as a stepping stone to Anfield.
Gerrard arrived in the English top-flight to take over from Dean Smith following his sacking at Villa Park. The former Reds captain previously managed Liverpool U18s before moving north to Rangers where he lead them to the Scottish Premiership in 2020.
There has been a growing consensus since the 42-year-old made his first steps in management that he would be in the Anfield dugout in the future. Many have tipped him to succeed Jurgen Klopp, however that will be put on hold after the German put pen-to-paper on a new contract in the summer.
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Fowler has hit out at claims when results don't go the right way for the Villains that a position at Anfield is on his mind, he wrote in his Mirror column: "Steven Gerrard knows that every time he loses a game, some Aston Villa fans will maintain he isn’t fully focused and has the Liverpool job on his mind.
"It’s an easy stick to beat him over the head with – but I can tell you straight that’s a load of nonsense.
"His priority is Aston Villa. He’s there to do that job and that’s the only thing on his mind. It’s other people who mention Liverpool. Gerrard is embarrassed by it because, for him, it’s Aston Villa every hour of the day.
"The only progression he is interested in is being the best manager he can possibly be. He’s got that attitude, that desire to be successful. Those attributes are as strong now as when he was a player and look where that took him to.
"When results don’t go your way of course there is going to be discontent. He won’t be content with losing games either. It probably kills him more than it kills the fans.
"That’s the type of manager you want – someone who really cares, and Steven does. He’s high profile and the spotlight is going to be on him more than some others.
"The problem is that if he does lose a few games – and it’s the same now with most managers as the patience of supporters seems to be more and more in short supply – it’s ‘Oh he’s not really bothered because he’s using Villa as a stepping stone to taking over from Jurgen Klopp’. That’s utter rubbish."
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