16 hours ago
36
Steven Gerrard has revealed that the circumstances needed to be 'perfect' for him to make a return to Rangers, following his decision to turn down a second spell in charge of the club. The Liverpool legend enjoyed a highly successful three-year period with the Glasgow side from 2018, delivering the league title to Ibrox in 2020-21 - although he moved on shortly after.
Since his departure, he has held managerial roles at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq, but has been out of work since parting company with the Saudi Arabian club by mutual consent in January. However, after Russell Martin was sacked by Rangers earlier this month, Gerrard emerged as a leading candidate to return to Glasgow.
The timing simply didn't work for the 45 year old, with Danny Rohl ultimately being named as Rangers' new manager. Now, Gerrard has opened up about why he rejected a dramatic return to the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking to TNT Sports on Saturday evening, he said: "In terms of Rangers, very close. I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners. It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain at the time.
"I had a lot to think about and a short space of time to give a decision. There was a few things that I was uncertain about. And if I'm going to take a challenge that big and that important, I've got that affection and that connection with Rangers."
"For me to take that on again, it had to be perfect and I had to be 100 per cent ready. Unfortunately, I wasn't due to the timing, so I stepped aside, and I wish them all the best. They've got a fantastic manager now. I'll watch as a fan from afar and I wish them all the best, certainly tomorrow in the Old Firm game."
When asked whether his decision related to the club's current structure or simply timing issues, Gerrard replied: "No, the timing wasn't right from a family point of view.
"But of course, you have to do your due diligence in certain things and if things are not perfect, as well, I have to analyse is it right for me?".
"The pressure and the responsibility is on your shoulders, it's such a massive challenge and a massive club. My heart was there, and it always will be with Rangers, but I've also got to look at the football side of it.
"Is it right for me? Is the timing right? And are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself in that job? Unfortunately, the timing, that didn't feel right to me.
"And listen, I've got that much respect for Rangers, the supporters and the owners, and everything connected to the club, I wouldn't go in there if I was 80, 90 per cent ready. But hopefully one day, I'll be more ready and more prepared for it and that chance might come again.
"If it doesn't, I wish the club all the very best moving forward. But my heart was 100 per cent there because I've got that connection with the club."
English (US) ·