Following Antonio Conte, Steven Gerrard is also introducing strict nutrition rules at his new employer, reports The Telegraph. Aston Villa’s new manager has removed carbonated drinks, sauces, puddings and hot chocolate from the cafeteria menu. “The standards will be extremely high,” Gerrard announced on Saturday after the 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion in his opening game.
Gerrard was taken from Rangers to help Aston Villa move up the Premier League table. The former midfielder is introducing strict food rules for both the first team and all youth teams. Last Thursday he had already banned tomato ketchup, then he also removed mayonnaise from the canteen of Bodymoor Heath, Villa’s training accommodation.
Conte intervenes hard after a game against Vitesse: no ketchup and mayonnaise
Antonio Conte immediately made his mark in his first week as coach of Tottenham Hotspur.
There is now a complete list of prohibited items, which Gerrard has drawn up in consultation with his sports science team and nutritionists. In principle, desserts are no longer allowed, except on some days before the competition. It has been found that its carbohydrates can be useful for providing energy in a competition. ‘Empty calories’, foods that mainly consist of sugars and oils, are limited as much as possible.
According to The Telegraph Gerrard’s new rules have been well received at Aston Villa. The manager has high hopes for his stay in Birmingham. “The facilities on the training ground are top-notch and the structure is in place to make the team successful,” Gerrard said earlier. “You have to have the right mindset and go beyond that, strive to be elite and be the best version of yourself. The standards will be extremely high. My staff and I came over from Rangers, where a lot had to be done. We have been successful and have certainly left the club better.”
Conte is also known to pay strict attention to the nutrition of his players. Reported two weeks ago The Athletic that the Italian immediately banned ketchup and mayonnaise after coming to Tottenham Hotspur. Conte requires players to eat more fruit, rather than fruit juice, and does not support the use of butter or oil in cooking.