Ian Rush believes Steven Gerrard is taking a risk by becoming Aston Villa manager - but is convinced he won't be distracted by thoughts of taking over at Liverpool in the future.
Gerrard was confirmed as Villa boss on Thursday having spent three-and-a-half years in charge at Rangers, where he won the Scottish title last season.
The 41-year-old has long been touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with the German's contract due to expire in the summer of 2024.
Rush had mixed experiences under former Liverpool playing legends, winning a clutch of trophies with Kenny Dalglish in the hotseat but enduring a more difficult time with Graeme Souness in charge.
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But the Reds' record goalscorer is adamant Gerrard will not concern himself with the future as he starts to prove his reputation in the Premier League.
“I know a lot of people view it as a stepping stone towards eventually replacing Jurgen Klopp, but at the end of the day Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and Stevie spent pretty much his whole career there, so it’s only natural that he would one day hope to manage the club," said Rush.
“But at the moment I really don’t think that will be in his mind at all, he’ll be focusing on doing his best for Aston Villa, see how he gets on and take it from there.
“We’ve seen club legends take over at Liverpool at the past and it has been great but there have been times when it hasn’t quite worked out too, but it’s a risk you have to take if the opportunity comes along. Make no mistake though, Stevie will be 100% focused on Villa."
Rush added: “Having said that, it’s also a risk taking the Villa job because if it doesn’t work out, it harms his chances of getting the Liverpool job down the line.
"Stevie can’t afford to be thinking too far ahead though, he’s got to have no regrets about the path he takes in his managerial career and this is no doubt a good opportunity to improve his ability as a manager at the highest level.
"It’s not going to be easy, but I think he knows that, although he’ll be excited by this new challenge.”
Rush has been in regular contact with Gerrard throughout his managerial career and, speaking to Gambling.com, has outlined what Villa can expect with the Liverpool great now in charge.
“I think he’s a very good manager and obviously he has the very experienced Gary McAllister next to him who is a big help," he said.
"I speak to both Stevie and Gary Mac regularly and I know Stevie is very demanding of his players, just like he was as a captain.
“A lot of his managerial traits are similar to the type of player he was actually, he has that never-say-die attitude and he won’t be happy unless Aston Villa are winning games, so I think he’ll find a way to get the best out of those players."
