Steven Gerrard is focused on beating Liverpool, saying that it was his goal even if it means hurting the Anfield faithful.
Gerrard is a Liverpool legend, and is arguably their greatest player. His 17-year association with the Merseyside Reds saw him guide the team to Champions League and FA Cup honours, among many others.
Stevie G took charge of Premier League team Aston Villa this season, and is returning to Liverpool for the first time in many years. This time, however, he will be on the opposite team, with the job of defeating his old club in his hands.
Subsequently, Gerrard is focused on beating Liverpool, saying that during the match, he will be a manager first and club legend second.
“The noise is for other people to get excited about, for me it’s about preparing the team in the best way I can to try and get a positive result for Aston Villa,” he said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Everyone in that stadium will know me well enough to know what I’m about and what I’m going to Anfield for. I’m going back to a club where I spent many years and it brings a smile to my face for a couple of reasons.
“One, I’ve got a good relationship with a lot of people at the club. I had a fantastic time there, a really good journey, I’m a local boy. It was the team I supported growing up and I will always support that team.
“But at the same time, it brings a smile to my face because I’ve got the opportunity to go there and compete against a good team and a good manager and try to win the game. That’s my only focus.
“If I’m on the bus heading back down the M6 towards Birmingham and I’m not the most popular at Anfield, so be it.”
Challenge accepted
“Liverpool are in a fantastic place and on top form, we’re aware of the challenge and how difficult it’s going to be,” he continued.
“But we’ve got to take confidence and belief from the start that we’ve made.
“We know how difficult Anfield can (be), but other teams have gone there with a game plan and taken something out of the game,” he concluded.
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