Gerrard, Xavi, Dean Smith Off To Impressive Wins At New Clubs

The pressure of getting a win on your first match as a manager at a new club can be immense. A win could help serve as a confidence boost and gain some support from the fans, but a defeat could raise a few eyebrows and questions about competence.

Newly appointed Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona and Dean Smith at Norwich eased such pressure as they got off to winning starts at their new clubs.

Jumping the Rangers ship, legendary Liverpool captain took the helm at Aston Villa, who fired Dean Smith after a run of five consecutive losses in the league. Gerrard faced off against the impressive Brighton, and his Villa side saw out a 2-0 win over Graham Potter’s side. Late goals from Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings made it a memorable debut for Gerrard.

Speaking after the victory, Gerrard said, “Everything I dreamt of leading into this game, the players have produced.”

Fellow footballer turned manager, Xavi Hernandez returned to Barcelona as manager after the sack of Ronald Koeman and was thrown into the Catalan derby against local rivals Espanyol. Barca produced a controlling performance to defeat their rivals 1-0, with Netherlands international, Memphis Depay scored from the penalty spot in the 48th minute.

An impressed Xavi speaking after the win said, “The players were outstanding … this is what we want.”

Dean Smith was handed the unenviable task of steering 19th placed Norwich from Relegation. The Canaries had won just once in 11 games.

Norwich faced off against 13th-placed Southampton who they hadn’t won in their last four encounters. Smith’s job was off to a stressful start as the Canaries fell to a 4th minute Che Adams strike.

But Norwich produced a resilient display to come from behind to win 2-1.

Satisfied with his team’s performance, Dean Smith said “We know we have got to be better than the first half, but we certainly set the standard in the second half.”

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