Steven Gerrard believes the long-term goal for Aston Villa is to be playing European football.

The newly installed boss spoke to the media today for the first time since his appointment.

Gerrard joined the Premier League strugglers last week.

Villa are 16th in the Premier League, with a sequence of five losses in a row enough to bring to an end Dean Smith's time at the club.

He has since moved to another side in relegation trouble, Norwich.

Steven Gerrard has arrived for his first press conference as Head Coach of Aston Villa. 🗣️

Join us live on VillaTV+. 🟣

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 18, 2021

Gerrard has already tasted European competition during his time at Rangers, and believes Aston Villa can become competitive enough to achieve qualification.

"Success in football is always about winning football matches first and foremost," he said.

"Long-term, I think the club would like to be back on a European level.

"I don't think it's the right time now to put any specific date on that, but for me, more importantly it's about focusing on the short-term which is Brighton at the weekend, we need to start winning football matches again and moving up the table."

Describing his new position as an 'honour', Gerrard also addressed the upcoming fixture against Liverpool.

The two sides clash on December 11th, in what is bound to be an emotional return to Anfield for the former Liverpool captain.

However, he was keen to stress his loyalty to Aston Villa.

"I think everyone knows all around the world what Liverpool means to me, but my focus is very much on Aston Villa," he told the media.

"I've said that I am all-in and I can promise our supporters that that's the case.

In terms of Liverpool, again, I don't think this press conference should be about any other club but Aston Villa, I think we have to show respect to our supporters."

Gerrard's first game in charge - against Brighton - is this Saturday at 3pm.