Pep Guardiola has stated that Steven Gerrard is ‘already a good manager’ ahead of Aston Villa’s home tie against Manchester City.
The Manchester City title-winning boss stated that the Villa boss is ‘incredible’ just like every other coach managing in the Premier League, as he told his pre-match press conference.
After winning the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers, and spending three seasons in Glasgow, Villa came knocking for Gerrard’s services after sacking Dean Smith last month.
It’s two wins out of two for the legendary midfielder, but his biggest test awaits him when he locks horns with Guardiola on Wednesday night.
The Barcelona legend was asked to share his thoughts on Gerrard and what he makes about him at Villa.
“Listen, if he is a manager in the Premier League, then he is already a good manager,” said Guardiola.
“I don’t believe there is one single manager in the Premier League, even in the Championship, that they don’t have quality or they aren’t good.
“They will become great managers. They can train good players at good clubs to fight for the titles.
“But it’s not related to be a good manager or to be a great manager, if you win titles or you don’t win titles because they are incredible managers. They are well prepared in all aspects. Maybe they don’t win titles because they aren’t lucky to train good teams.”
This is probably the biggest test of Gerrard’s managerial career because he wouldn’t have come up against a team of the calibre of Man City.
Whilst Chelsea are the current champions of Europe, it could be argued that, during these past few years, it’s those from the Etihad have been the best across Europe without lifting the Champions League itself.
And if Gerrard can get the better of Guardiola tonight then it would be some statement he will be sending out.
One thing is for sure, he now has the form, the confidence of the players and a vocal home crowd behind him to try and get that result.
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