Steven Gerrard’s decision to step away from football management for the time being has been confirmed, with Sky Sports reporting he will not return to Rangers despite advanced talks. This update comes after weeks of speculation regarding a potential Ibrox reunion, following Philippe Clement’s departure. However, it appears Gerrard is not in the running, with Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin now considered leading candidates for the job.
“Steven Gerrard will not become the next Rangers manager,” Sky Sports confirmed, despite the Liverpool icon having “held talks over a return to the club, three and a half years after leaving Glasgow.”
Steven Gerrard will not become the next Rangers manager, Sky Sports News understands 🏴 pic.twitter.com/4gKBk03QC8
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 29, 2025
His absence from the managerial scene isn’t without precedent. Gerrard left Saudi side Al Ettifaq in January after a mixed spell, with the club languishing in 12th place, just five points above the relegation zone. The departure was, as Sky Sports reports, via mutual agreement.
It’s clear that Gerrard’s focus has shifted. “I want to be free, I want to play a round of golf, go down the boozer and have a couple of beers, do normal things that you can’t do when you’re coaching,” he recently told reporters, revealing a refreshingly human side often hidden behind the tactical rigours of modern football management.
Rebuilding Reputation After Saudi Arabia
Gerrard’s experience in the Saudi Pro League was far from the triumphant campaign many expected. After a promising start, his side faltered, and questions around his tactical adaptability began to circulate. His record in Dammam may have cooled interest from higher-tier clubs, at least temporarily.
Still, his past successes, notably Rangers’ historic 55th league title win in 2021, ensure his stock hasn’t completely fallen. The conversation around him includes links to Championship clubs like Derby County and lower-league sides such as Carlisle United, with a short-lived rumour of a potential Premier League opportunity at Southampton.
That these rumours have emerged at all suggests there’s still admiration for Gerrard’s potential. Yet it also highlights a key dilemma: where does Gerrard fit in the current managerial landscape?
Liverpool Role Speculation Gathers Pace
With John Heitinga reportedly heading to Ajax, Liverpool fans have speculated about Gerrard returning in a backroom role under new boss Arne Slot, who has just delivered a stunning Premier League title in his debut season. On paper, it’s a reunion filled with romance and narrative weight.
However, there’s no indication Gerrard is interested in such a role. His comments suggest a more extended break is on the cards, prioritising family time and a mental reset from the 24/7 nature of coaching.
“I’m happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff, just being free away from stress,” he said, a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who’s seen the relentless pressure top-level management entails.
What’s Next For Gerrard?
In truth, the future remains open. Gerrard is still only 45, with decades ahead of him should he wish to return. His reputation in the game, especially in Glasgow and Liverpool, remains largely intact. What matters now is timing and opportunity.
His recent comments suggest that whenever he does return, it won’t be for a short-term fix or a vanity project. Instead, expect a more considered, perhaps humbler path, likely one that allows for development, autonomy, and the space to evolve as a coach.
With Sky Sports reporting he’s not a front-runner for the Rangers role, and with other clubs exploring options, Gerrard may well bide his time until the right project presents itself.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Gerrard’s current detour away from management is bittersweet. On one hand, his legend status at Anfield and his historic achievements at Rangers make him an ideal figure to bring back into the fold. The prospect of Gerrard shadowing Arne Slot, learning from a tactician who just won the Premier League in his first campaign, is intriguing. There’s also the emotional allure of seeing him back on the touchline at Anfield, even in a supporting capacity.
But on the other hand, his honesty about burnout is commendable. Gerrard’s admission that he needs time, that he wants to reconnect with everyday life, shows maturity. This isn’t someone chasing jobs for the sake of it. It’s someone preserving longevity in a profession notorious for its toll.
Perhaps this is precisely why he remains such a revered figure. He’s not forcing a narrative. He’s letting it unfold.
If and when Gerrard returns to management, Liverpool supporters will be watching, hopeful. And who knows — maybe someday the romantic script will write itself, and he’ll return in a more significant capacity. But for now, the legend rests, and rightly so.
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