Liverpool legend explains why ex Rangers boss belongs back in management and how Old Firm move was once possible

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has been told he belongs back in management and that a dugout return with EFL Championship side Burnley would be a welcome boost for football.

That’s according to ex-Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse, who insists his former Anfield team-mate still has plenty to offer the game.

Gerrard, who enjoyed a successful spell at Ibrox before heading back down south to take charge of Aston Villa and later moving to Saudi Arabia to manage Al-Ettifaq, has been linked with a return to English football as speculation continues over his next move.

Cisse, who knows Gerrard well from their time together on Merseyside, is convinced the former England captain should not spend too long away from the touchline, highlighting both his passion for the game and his ability to pass on valuable experience to the next generation.

“I’d love that, for two reasons. He’s a friend, someone I like and respect a lot, and he loves football,” Cisse told Mr Gamble. “He needs to be on the pitch, in contact with players.

“I hope he finds a project that suits him because he misses it. As a player he already had a coach’s mind. He had a successful spell in Scotland, then went to the Middle East. He has a lot of football knowledge and experience to pass on to young players.

“We need people like him on the bench, whether in the Premier League, in France or anywhere else, former players who know the game and can share their knowledge with the young ones.”

Gerrard’s managerial career has included a Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in 2021, ending Celtic’s run of nine consecutive championships, before a difficult spell at Villa Park and his subsequent move to Saudi Arabia. His next appointment will be an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and demonstrate that his experience in Glasgow can translate into success elsewhere.

Cisse also revealed that he had expected Gerrard to receive an opportunity at Liverpool following the departure of Arne Slot, believing the legendary captain could eventually return to the club where he made his name.

“Honestly, I believed it should have been Steven Gerrard’s moment when Arne Slot left Liverpool,” he added. “I thought that’s how it would happen. I believed it could have been Xabi Alonso too. I thought there was a place for Steven and it would happen. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t. But one day it will, for sure.”

Cissé: I had the chance to join Celtic or Rangers

While Gerrard’s immediate future remains a subject of speculation, Cisse has also reflected on a possible move of his own to Scottish football that never quite materialised.

The 41-times capped French international, who enjoyed a varied playing career across Europe, admitted that representing either Celtic or Rangers had been a possibility, although he could not recall the details of any previous discussions. He did, however acknowledge the unique appeal of the Glasgow rivalry.

“Did I ever have the chance to play for Celtic or Rangers? It was possible but I don’t remember the talks,” he admitted.

“They’re two big historic clubs, it’s a historic derby with two crazy crowds and two teams going toe to toe,” he said. “It’s a really, really great derby, and I honestly don’t know which one I would have chosen.”