Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has revealed close pal Steven Gerrard is dead against the theory his management career to date is merely preparation to become Liverpool boss.
The 42-year-old is gearing up for his first full season in charge of Aston Villa after spending big following his departure from Rangers last November. The legendary former England international was a success in Glasgow as he ended Celtic 's run of nine consecutive titles as well as making inroads in the Europa League.
But Gerrard's long-term future has been the subject of much discussion with many believing he will be the man to replace Jurgen Klopp at the club he adores. The man himself has broached it in the past but Fowler claims he's fed up with perceptions as he aims to shine with Villa this season.
Speaking in his Sunday Mirror column, the Anfield goal machine said: "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. He knows that and accepts it. It just makes him more determined to be successful – just look at what he did at Rangers.
"That was some challenge leaving his job coaching Liverpool’s Under-18s in order to try and end Celtic’s superiority which he did – preventing the club’s great rivals winning a 10th title in a row."
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