Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard’s comments on changing his approach as manager following the departure of assistant manager Michael Beale are ‘worrying’, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

Gerrard bolstered his squad by splashing over £60 million on new signings at Villa Park in the summer but has suffered a slow start to the season.

What is the latest from Villa?

Back in September, Gerrard described losing Beale in the summer as ‘not ideal’, adding that it has led to him having a rethink of his approach.

Former Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has since joined Gerrard in the dugout but the pair have overseen a disappointing start to the season.

In eight games, the Villans have picked up just two wins and two draws, losing all four of their remaining fixtures.

Last weekend saw them held to a stalemate by Leeds United at Elland Road, despite the hosts playing with 10 men for nearly the entirety of the second half.

It has left them hovering in 14^th place and just two points above the dreaded relegation zone ahead of another big clash with Nottingham Forest next weekend.

What has Preece said on the situation?

Preece says it is worrying to hear Gerrard backtracking on his footballing ideals, adding that it does not bode too well for the current players either.

He added that Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia – who earn a combined £200,000 per-week - could see their freedoms on the field diminish as a result.

When asked what the comments say about the squad, Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “It's a bit of a worry that one. Gerrard has mentioned sacrificing his pretty players, as he calls them, such as Coutinho and Buendia, in recent weeks and going more pragmatic, then just shutting up shop and nicking a goal when you can get one, evidenced against Southampton.”

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Have Villa been looking at replacements?

According to Football Insider, Villa are sounding out Mauricio Pochettino as a potential successor to Gerrard, as well as Villarreal boss Unai Emery.

The outlet has previously reported that Pochettino would be open to taking on the task as well and is not only interested in Champions League sides.

Journalist Dean Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the Argentinian is eager to return to the Premier League in the future.

The former Tottenham manager was in attendance as England faced Germany in the Nations League at Wembley too, adding further fuel to any speculation surrounding his future.