Steven Gerrard has wasted no time in imposing his authroiry at Aston Villa boss, and ketchup has already been banned shortly after Antonio Conte opted for the same approach
Video Unavailable
Steven Gerrard appointed Aston Villa manager
Steven Gerrard left Rangers to become the new Aston Villa boss and the Liverpool legend is already adjusting finer details to get his new side back to winning ways.
After winning Rangers their 55th Scottish League title in undefeated fashion, Gerrard left Glasgow this month to pursue a managerial career in the Premier League.
The move caused some controversy, but Gerrard prepares to take his first game in charge as Villa host Brighton on Saturday, and their pre-match routine will be slightly different.
That’s because Gerrard has become the latest manager to ban ketchup, in an attempt to secure minimal gains wherever possible.
The new Villa boss has wasted no time making changes following his appointment, and ketchup has been banned from the player’s diet in order to improve health and fitness even more.
Gerrard has arrived at Villa park to build a winning mentality, and removing ketchup is one apparently of the necessary requirements as the boss said during his first press conference: “It was banned before I had seen it!
“The players have to have the right mentality. Go above and beyond. They need to strive to be elite.”
Have Your Say! Is banning ketchup over the top? Let us know in the comments section
Gerrard becomes the latest Premier League manager to put a ban on the condiments, after Antonio Conte did the same following his appointment at Tottenham, also banning sugary fruit juice as he claimed that he was unhappy with some ‘overweight’ players.
Some players love their ketchup, so this may not be the most popular decision, but why are managers going to such extreme lengths?
A number of different coaches have argued that ketchup contributes to poor fitness levels, and this is something that has been picked up on by Fabio Capello and Paulo Di Canio in the past.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
Although this extreme measure is becoming increasingly popular, Rick Miller, a London-based clinical sports dietitian, has argued that ketchup really isn’t a big deal.
Miller said: “Frankly, it’s one of the least problematic issues in a professional footballers’ diet. Allowing high-quality condiments can enhance the taste of blander foods and encourage healthier eating habits.”
Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood also disagreed, as he slammed Conte for implimenting the ban and said: “Well, don’t underestimate banning ketchup and mayo because they will all of a sudden start passing the ball to each other and scoring loads of goals.
“It’s normally the secret. No, what a load of nonsense.”
However, Conte’s methods have proved extremely successful, and six major trophies at Juventus, Chelsea and Inter proves that he must be doing something right.
Tottenham will be hoping that Conte is the one to bring back silverware to the club, and Gerrard has expressed that he is targeting European football with Villa.
