‘Winning is my medicine’ – Gerrard enjoys first win with Villa

Gerrard

took charge of his first

match after leaving the Scottish champions

during the international break to replace

Dean Smith

and he got off to a good start with a 2-0 victory over

on Saturday, thanks to late goals from

Ollie Watkins

and

Tyrone Mings

.

Gerrard was happy with his side’s performance after the game, admitting wins like these work like "medicine" for what he misses from his playing days.

"It's a mixture of excitement, relief, pride really. Because I can't be any more proud of the players. Some were only around for a couple days in the week, everything we asked them to do in the main they followed the structure and delivered a really good performance in the end.

"These are the buzzes, the highs you miss as a player. That is the reason I wanted to stay in the game. It is my medicine if you like. I love winning, I love competing, I love seeing players happy, smiling, feeling good about themselves. We were a bit tense at times today, it wasn't all perfect, it was understandable that the players and crowd were a bit nervous.

"I think you're trying to control your emotions. You're kicking every ball. I want to be there on the side for my players. I want to coach from the side. I want them to see me. I want to be visible. I want to help them, guide them, so they carry a game plan out. Inside me is what was inside me as a player. That will to win. That drive and the energy.

"You should see me in staff games, five or six-a-side, I want to win, I tell you. I hate losing."

Aston Villa are next in action against

at Selhurst Park on Saturday, while Brighton play

at home on the same day.

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