The Liverpool legend says the fans should not consider Aston Villa as a stepping stone for Steven Gerrard.
Aston Villa appointed Steven Gerrard as their new manager to replace the sacked Dean Smith.
The Liverpool great started his managerial career with a highly successful stint at Rangers. Having won the Scottish side’s first league trophy in ten years, Gerrard left Ibrox to return to Premier League.
Liverpool fans are eager to see their hero take charge at Anfield one day. However, Liverpool legend Jaimie Carragher believes Aston Villa should not be reduced to a stepping stone in Gerrard’s career.
“I think it’s disrespectful to Stevie and I think it’s disrespectful to Aston Villa that this comes up,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“I know this is the question for everyone, but I can assure you that Aston Villa as a football club are no stepping stone for anyone. They’ve won a European Cup, the biggest club in the midlands, one of the biggest clubs in the UK.
“I’m sure everyone is well aware that one day, if it worked perfectly, Stevie would like to manage Liverpool, but I can guarantee you Stevie would only want to manage Liverpool if he merited it, and also the club’s supporters would think that and the football club themselves.
“Liverpool are not in a position to give a job in the future to someone just because they had a great playing career.
“If Stevie does amazingly well at Aston Villa and is qualifying for Europe, maybe could add a Carabao Cup, maybe that would put him in the equation then for Liverpool.”
Aston Villa sit 16th in the Premier League, only two points above the relegation zone. Gerrard will have to turn things around at Villa Park as he starts his first Premier League job.
Gerrard will make his Premier League managerial debut against Brighton on November 20.