Former Rangers boss responds to management return question after intense Ibrox return rumours
The Ibrox hero has been linked with a return to the club
‘Maybe’ was the simple response from Steven Gerrard when asked if he’d consider going back into management amid rumours the former Rangers boss could make an Ibrox return.
The Rangers and Liverpool icon, who stopped Celtic from winning 10 in a row, hasn’t been in the dugout after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. Since then, he’s swapped the touchline for the commentary box, as he is a regular pundit on TNT Sports.
Following the dismissal of Gers boss Russell Martin in October, Gerrard was linked with a return to the club he left four years ago for Aston Villa. However, he turned the opportunity down as current boss Danny Rohl took the reins instead. Eight months on, he’s been asked again whether he’d consider a return to management.
Gerrard responds to management return question
The 46-year old was part of the TNT Sports commentary team alongside Gers icon Ally McCoist for the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG. In an interview ahead of the match, he was asked whether he plans on managing again. To which he responded: “Who knows? I mean you never completely close a door.
“I’m enjoying my work-life balance at the moment. Coaching is tough. It’s challenging. I’ve had some really big opportunities and I’ve enjoyed a lot of it. But between family time, TNT Sports, doing some other bits around what I do, travelling, I’m really happy at the moment. I’m getting lots more time with my kids which I’ve missed whilst I have been coaching. So at the moment, I would say maybe.”
After a legendary playing career for both Liverpool and England, Gerrard took his first management job on at Ibrox in 2018. During his three years in Govan, not only did he win the club their illustrious 55th league title, but also helped transform them into a force in Europe again. However, he turned down the opportunity to return to Ibrox last year as it felt ‘rushed’.
Why did Gerrard snub Rangers return in October?
After Rohl was appointed instead, Gerrard told TNT Sports why he made the decision not to head back to Govan. He said: "I was very close. I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners. But it felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain at the time. I had a lot to think about in a short space of time to give a decision.
"There were a few things I was uncertain about, and if I am going to take a challenge that big and that important, I have got that affection and that connection with Rangers. Unfortunately I was not due to the timing, so I stepped aside and I wish them all the best. They have got a fantastic manager now, I will watch as a fan from afar and I will wish them all the best.”
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