Aston Villa finished 14th in the Premier League last season. And after a decent summer window, the heir apparent to the Liverpool bench was expected to kick on and fire Villa up into the top half of the table.
However, after 11 games of the Premier League season, Gerrard was relieved of his duties to the relief of many a vocal Villa fan following a 3-0 loss to Fulham.
Aston Villa sit 14th in the Premier League once again, and if Leeds and West Ham win their games in hand, Villa will be just one point above the relegation zone.
So, whoever comes in seemingly has quite the job on his hands.
101GreatGoals have taken a look at the current favourites for the job.
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Unai Emery
The current favourite for the job is former Arsenal coach, Unai Emery.
After a disappointing spell at Arsenal, Emery returned to Spain and took charge of Villerall. Here the Spaniard has enjoyed great success on a limited budget.
Villarreal won the Europa League in 2021, reach the Champions League semi-finals earlier this year, are unbeaten in the Europa Conference League this season and currently sit 8th in La Liga – only out of the European places due to goal difference.
But whilst Emery would likely be a good signing, Villa may have a hard time convincing him to leave a side who see regular European football for one in a relegation battle.
Odds: 4/9
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim is the second favourite to take up the role at Villa Park. He is currently in charge of Sporting, managing 121 games at the time of writing.
During that time he has won the league and the Portuguese League Cup. Sporting are not faring as well this season, sitting 4th in the table after 10 games, but they are still on course for European football in 2023/24.
Villa fans will also likely know Amorim from Sporting’s recent 2-0 win over Tottenham in this season’s Champions League.
Odds: 13/2
Sean Dyche
Sean Dyche has been out of work since being sacked by Burnley. The 51-year-old was recently linked with the Middlesbrough job, but that role has now been filled by Michael Carrick.
And whilst Dyche may not be as big a name as the two aforementioned managers, he is reliable and will almost certainly make sure Villa avoid the drop if given the job.
Odds: 17/2
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers had an awful start to the 2022/23 season and was at one point the favourite to be sacked. However, Leicester have begun to turn their fortunes around, winning three of their last five.
Rodgers has enjoyed great success in the Premier League, coming close to a league title with Liverpool and, more recently, winning the FA Cup with Leicester.
And whilst both Villa and Leicester are at the bottom of the division currently, the Aston Villa job may appeal to the Northern Irishman as Aston Villa have shown they are being very ambitious in recent summers, whilst Leicester seem to do nothing but sell off any top talent they have.
Odds: 11/1
Thomas Frank
The next favourite is Thomas Frank. Frank is a very tactically astute boss, who has already guided Brentford to a win over Manchester United and a draw with Chelsea in 2022/23.
Frank is also capable of working on a budget, so given Villa’s willingness to spend, he could propel them into the top-four and maybe even challenge for 7th.
However, Brentford are currently 10th in the Premier League, so getting Frank to leave for a struggling Villa may be hard. Brentford are also unlikely to be keen on letting such a top manager leave in the middle of a season.
Odds: 14/1
Mauricio Pochettino
Finally, Mauricio Pochettino makes it into the list of next possible Villa managers. The Argentine has impressed with lesser teams in the Premier League previously and took Tottenham to a Champions League final.
Pochettino has since been sacked by PSG and remains out of work. Landing him would certainly show ambition from Villa, but whether he would actually come remains another matter.
Odds: 14/1
