Aston Villa news: Expert issues ‘nonsensical’ Steven Gerrard sack verdict after confirmed news
Noel Whelan has insisted Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard will not be under any sack pressure during the 2022-23 season despite a big-money summer outlay.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed it could take “three years” for the Villa hierarchy to see a return on their investment.
Aston Villa confirmed on Wednesday (1 June) that centre-back Diego Carlos has completed a medical and signed a four-year deal with the club.
The Midlands giants have also completed the signings of Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara this summer – while left-back Lucas Digne joined the club in January 2022.
Gerrard could only manage a 14th-place finish in the 2021-22 campaign after succeeding sacked boss Dean Smith in November 2021.
Whelan insisted the Aston Villa project is a “long-term build” and Gerrard’s job security should be handled as such.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I’m not sure he’ll be under fire.
“You’d like to think he’d be given the time to build his own side.
“I don’t see any point in bringing someone in, giving them the money to spend on his own players – but then sacking him and giving those players to another manager.
“It doesn’t make sense. This is a long-term build.
“If they see that progression over a number of years, then the Aston Villa board will be happy.
“It’s going to take around three years, and you’d like to think the hierarchy will give him that time.
“Steven needs the opportunity to work with this squad over a couple of seasons, not half a season.”
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor expects Aston Villa to accept £15million bid amid transfer claim.