Steven Gerrard’s appointment in November last year following Dean Smith’s sacking was expected to initiate a new manager bounce at Aston Villa.
No such phenomenon came to fruition, however. Granted, Gerrard steadied the ship, but many would argue that it was only at a slight risk of capsizing.
Maybe any danger of such provides sufficient grounds for upheaval. Higher-ups at Villa Park would argue Smith’s departure and Gerrard’s consequent arrival signalled a look higher than simply keeping afloat which is what their supporters have been restricted to since winning promotion back to the Premier League in 2018/19.
This factor heightens the disappointment felt at the West Midlands club’s finish of 14th and a failure to build upon the renewed spirit highlights some necessary concerns.
It is evident where Gerrard has identified the brunt of his side’s shortcomings. Villa have sought to get the jump on their rivals by recruiting new personnel for the former Rangers boss’ ‘rebuild’.
The signings of Sevilla central defender Diego Carlos and Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara have already been confirmed while the loans of Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have been made permanent.
Coutinho’s commitment was important for the positive feeling around the club notwithstanding his obvious ability and exhibits the pulling power Gerrard brings with him to the technical area.
Turning our attention to the imminent 2022/23 campaign, the top half of the table has to be the aim and anything below will see the new management questioned.