Steven Gerrard took inspiration from Liz Truss in his final post-match interview as Aston Villa manager
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Steven Gerrard said he was a "fighter" and would "never ever quit anything" in his final post-match interview as Aston Villa manager.
After taking just nine points from 11 games this season – a record that leaves Villa lingering around the relegation zone – Gerrard was sacked following the club's 3-0 defeat against newly-promoted Fulham on Thursday.
In a statement on their official website, the Villans confirmed that former Liverpool midfielder Gerrard would leave with immediate effect after just 11 months in charge.
A club spokesman said: “We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future.”
The 42-year-old, who was appointed Aston Villa manager in November after a successful stint with Rangers, was clearly devastated following the defeat at Craven Cottage.
But the former England international came out fighting in his post-match interview, saying he would "never ever quit anything" – a quote that fans have compared to comment made by Liz Truss this week.
Truss, who resigned as prime minister on Thursday after a turbulent reign, said: “I’m a fighter and not a quitter” in parliament earlier in the week.
Steven Gerrard 🤝 Liz Truss
— Super Hans (@no_context_Hans) October 20, 2022
“I’m a fighter not a quitter”
The next day 👀 pic.twitter.com/va8CnOJLQZ
Liz Truss: I'm a fighter, not a quitter..."
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 20, 2022
Steven Gerrard: "I'm a fighter, I will never ever quit anything...”
I wonder what will happen next...
After being asked if he could change his club's fortune around, Gerrard said: "Look, we'll see what happens. I understand the situation that we're in. I'm a fighter, I'll never, ever quit anything, certainly when it comes down to football or anything in life.
"So, we'll see what happens moving forward."
Gerrard's sacking was then announced at 10:45pm on Thursday evening.
"The performance was miles away from what I want, expect and stand for," he added after the loss to Fulham. "I understand the fans' frustration and it was so far from how we looked at the weekend. We're in this situation, I'm in it to face the tough questions because the reality is it's not good enough for the club."
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He added: "Those decisions are out of my control. I have been around the game a long time, I understand the situation and won't sugar-coat the situation or give anyone false lines. I want to be as honest as I can.
"We'll see what happens moving forwards. But football is in my DNA and quitting is certainly not, so we'll see what happens moving forwards."
"I'm a fighter, I'll never ever quit anything" 🗣
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) October 20, 2022
It's been a tough start to the season for Villa but Steven Gerrard has said he is up for the fight#PLonPrime #FULAVL pic.twitter.com/h1Und2tY8a
Here's how social media reacted to Gerrard's words after the full-time whistle.
One fan said: "Steven Gerrard minutes before being sacked tonight: “I’m a fighter, I’ll never ever quit anything….” Probably not the best choice of words, given Liz Truss said almost exactly the same thing yesterday before losing her job."
Another commented: "Steven Gerrard. “Im a fighter I’m never going to quit” sounds like Liz Truss yesterday."
Thoughts on Gerrard's sacking?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@primevideosport
Topics: Steven Gerrard, Aston Villa, Premier League
