Steven Gerrard may not be a managerial candidate who captures the imagination of Leeds United fans, but Brenden Aaronson may be one player who welcomes the Englishman through the door at Elland Road.
The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Gerrard’s availability has been noted by the Leeds hierarchy as the Whites continue their push to find a new manager.
The report noted that Gerrard had reservations about the Leeds job. But there is surely absolutely no question that the pursuit is not going to plan. And with that, Gerrard has to be considered.
Aaronson had Gerrard posters on his wall
He will not be everyone’s cup of tea. But there is one player who may relish the chance to work with the 42-year-old – if comments earlier in his career are anything to go by.
Aaronson did an interview with Sky Sports following his move to Red Bull Salzburg. And he shared just how much he loved Liverpool growing up. And, unsurprisingly, one player who stood out to him was Gerrard.
“As long as I can remember I’ve been a Liverpool fan. I have Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres posters in my room, those two were the ones I looked up to. I have Liverpool winning the Champions League above my bed too,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think we’re a little different in positioning. But I used to see [Gerrard] go into games and giving it his all every game.
“He was winning challenges, playing the ball forward, scoring goals – he really was the complete midfielder and that’s something I want to bring into my game. He was tireless and gave everything for the team and that’s something I really like about him.”
Leeds need next boss to make immediate impact
Of course, supporting Gerrard as a player does not necessarily mean that Aaronson will want him as manager. And his time at Aston Villa will have many fans extremely concerned.
But whenever a manager comes in, there are always players who surprisingly step up. Rodrigo was arguably that player during Jesse Marsch’s tenure.
The £25 million star clearly has the potential to do a lot better than he has been recently. And having someone like Gerrard to put an arm around him and guide him could make a big difference.
That is not a reason to give him the job, of course. But his status in the game does suggest that he would immediately command respect and perhaps have that short-term impact we desperately need.
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