Leeds, Leicester, and the Gerrard Question: Is the Legend up to the Task? - EPL Index 12/6/23
By Leila Kim
Stepping Stones or Stumbling Blocks? The Saga of Steven
Gerrard’s Managerial March
The tale of Gerrard, of Leeds and Leicester, becomes ever
more compelling as our hero, the English legend himself, treads the uncertain
line between triumph and turmoil. As reported by The Daily Mail, the narrative
continues to unfold, revealing a complexity of plot twists that can leave even
the most committed spectator reeling.
Gerrard’s managerial map was predestined, or so it seemed: A
Glasgow gig, a Premier League promotion, and then the hallowed pathway to
Anfield. Yet the dismissal from Villa, the club languishing at 17th, caused the
eyes of many a Kopite to cloud with doubt. Gerrard, the icon, is set to trade
the dream of succeeding Klopp for a sojourn in the Championship.
Leicester and Leeds: Dangling the Carrot
Intriguingly, Leicester sees a potential path for Gerrard,
offering a managerial redemption following his Villa debacle. The whispers also
hint at possible dialogues with Leeds. The clubs, both wincing from the sting
of Premier League demotion, are exploring options. As Gerrard steps back into
the limelight, the looming question is whether the man can lure the necessary
prowess, inspire the fallen and orchestrate a comeback.
The Making of Gerrard: A Retrospective
The Gerrard legend was forged within the crucible of
Liverpool’s academy system before he ever set foot in Rangers. A tenure marked
by noticeable victories and, importantly, a nurturing of young talent. The
latter is a quality that will serve him well in potential rebuilding projects,
assuring owners of his ability to craft an ethos that extends beyond the
first-team dressing room.
From Rangers Resurgence to Villa Vexation
His tenure at Rangers was nothing short of transformative,
breathing swagger back into a club that had seemingly lost its way. The
accolades speak for themselves – an unbeaten season, a record haul of 102 points,
the lowest goals conceded, and the breaking of Celtic’s grip on the Scottish
Premier League title.
Such a thrilling tenure suggests Gerrard’s potential for
success. Yet, as we shift our gaze to Aston Villa, the view is less favourable.
Awarded a contract of three and a half years on the back of
his Scottish success, Gerrard’s time at Villa Park was, frankly, forgettable.
His failure to articulate a clear strategy and his erratic tactical choices
conveyed an image of a man lost at sea.
Leeds and Leicester: The Expectations
Leicester and Leeds have a particular self-image, and the
echoes of glory days resonate within their fan base. If Gerrard is unable to
persuade their boards that he understands their ethos and can forge an
identity, then his future with either club becomes questionable.
The Unanswered Questions
There remain queries surrounding Gerrard’s ability as a
manager. Could the resurgence of Villa under Emery suggest Gerrard’s Scottish
success was merely the result of a two-horse race? Was Michael Beale, his
highly-regarded assistant at both Rangers and Villa, the true puppet master
behind the scenes?
While Gerrard’s fledgling managerial career shows glimmers
of promise, his Premier League tenure stands as a stark warning. Success on the
pitch does not necessarily translate to success from the technical area.
