Thomas Frank says Aston Villa fans “got what they wanted” following the sacking of Steven Gerrard.
The former England captain was dismissed shortly after Villa’s 3-0 loss at Fulham on Thursday night after winning only 13 of his 40 games in charge.
Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are determined to appoint a big-name replacement and are prepared to give the new boss carte blanche to spend big in an attempt to transform the club’s fortunes.
Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading target, although Standard Sport understand the 50-year-old will reject any offer as he holds out for a top-level job at a Champions League club.
Brentford boss Frank has also been linked with the post, along with the out-of-work Thomas Tuchel after his sacking at Chelsea.
Villa host the Bees on Sunday and will be under the stewardship of first-team coach Aaron Danks.
Speaking ahead of the game, Frank said: "I’m always a big believer in keeping the manager for a long time.
“Villa were very good, first-half especially, against Chelsea; sometimes you need the margins or luck from the football Gods.
“I’m convinced Aaron Danks will say to bring energy and play for the fans. The fans will want to back the team more because they know the boys need them.
“The fans got what they wanted because they didn’t want the manager; now it’s all about the players."
