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Gabthrough Agbonlahor has suggested Aston Villa launch an ambitious move for Mauricio Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel after sacking Steven Gerrard. The former Liverpool captain relieved himself of his duties at Villa Park on Thursday night just 90 minutes after his side were embarrassed by Fulham in a 3-0 10-man defeat on the banks of the Thames.
In fact, the match was a last chance for Gerrard, whose team lost 2-0 to Chelsea last Sunday at home.
But, in truth, his players never interfered to save their coach as Fulham headed for a comfortable win that could have been bigger without problems had it not been for the heroism of Emiliano Martinez.
Agbonlahor believes his former employers have been cornered with Gerrard’s sacking and the now-retired striker is convinced Villa has the strength to attract some of the biggest names in management.
“For me, Jamie [O’Hara], we played Steven Gerrard, so I wanted it to work, because of the player he was and the respect I had for him,” Agbonlahor told Jamie O’Hara on talkSPORT.
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“I was lucky enough to play with him for England, but with every game that went on, it was like how much more can you stand, how much more can you handle him?
“That functionality tonight like, they weren’t the first to receive balls, they weren’t urgent as a team. It was a disaster. “
He then added who will succeed Gerrard: “We can eliminate Antonio Conte from Spurs. Aston Villa is not a Mickey Mouse team, they have wonderful owners who will invest. Great support.
“Pochettino would be a wonderful signing, there are many wonderful coaches. We can have whoever we want, Thomas Tuchel. . . “
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O’Hara puzzled Agbonlahor’s suggestions and said his talkSPORT colleague wants to be more realistic when discussing who might upgrade Gerrard.
Villa’s verification of his head coach’s departure was brief but straightforward. He said: “Aston Villa Football Club can verify that head coach Steven Gerrard has left the club with immediate effect.
A club spokesman said: “We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him luck for the future.
Gerrard was forced to return to the Midlands with the Villa manager some time after receiving his assignment.
Pochettino is the bookmakers’ favourite for the job, while Unai Emery and Michael Beale would also be in contention.
Thomas Frank is also an idea to be greatly admired through Villa, the Dane is now in contract negotiations with Brentford.
The Bees boss recently downplayed links with Brighton after Graham Potter moved to Chelsea, saying it would be special to leave west London.
Villa now sit 17th in the Premier League table as they prepare to host Frank’s Brentford at Villa Park on Sunday.