Steven Gerrard explains why he hopes Rangers do not ask him to return
Steven Gerrard has revealed he does not want Rangers to offer him his former job back because it would mean the Scottish giants are in a difficult position.
The Liverpool legend enjoyed a highly successful three-year stint at Ibrox, culminating in an undefeated league title win in 2021 that halted Celtic’s bid for ten championships in a row.
However, Gerrard has admitted he would prefer the Glasgow club to find sustained success under current manager Derek McInnes rather than turning to him for a rescue act.
Respect for the current boss
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Gerrard explained his reluctance to loom over the current management team at Ibrox.
Discussing a potential return to the club, Gerrard said:
“Who knows. What I would say is, I’ve been reluctant to come up for a certain amount of time and sit in the box with a suit on and blah blah because I don’t want to disrespect any manager that is in position.”
Current manager McInnes has guided Rangers to a strong run of form, leaving them just two points behind Celtic after a derby victory prior to the international break.
That crucial win marked a sixth straight triumph for the club, helping to erase the memory of a difficult start to the season which included a Conference League exit against Czech side Jablonec.
Gerrard expressed his desire to see the current regime thrive without needing his intervention.
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Gerrard said:
“I hope he does well. I hope the club goes on and be successful where they maybe don’t need to come and ask someone like me.”
Life away from the dugout
Since his departure from Al-Ettifaq in January 2025, which followed a premature end to his time at Aston Villa, Gerrard has been out of the dugout.
While he has held discussions with several clubs about a potential return to coaching, the former England midfielder is currently content with his work-life balance.
He has committed to a new television contract and is enjoying spending time with his family after becoming a grandfather last year.
Explaining his current situation to the Open Goal podcast, Gerrard said:
“At the moment I am happy, I am doing TV with TNT. I have signed a new deal.”
The former midfielder has also kept busy by launching a new sporting venture in his home region.
Partnering with the Lydiate Learning Trust and Knowsley Council, Gerrard has helped establish the country’s inaugural school padel academy.
This project has brought 16 courts and six fresh 3G pitches to a pair of educational sites in Liverpool and Knowsley.
Reflecting on the Ibrox years
Despite his desire to stay away from the hot seat, Gerrard’s affection for Rangers remains undiminished.
He recently returned to Ibrox to watch an Old Firm derby, catching up with former players Andy Halliday and Scott Arfield.
Gerrard also reflected on his captaincy decisions during his tenure, specifically his choice of full-back James Tavernier to lead the side.
While acknowledging that Tavernier was not a vocal leader, Gerrard explained on the Open Goal podcast that he valued him as a technical leader who could deliver crucial goals and assists.
For now, with Rangers finding their feet under McInnes and Gerrard settled in his media role, a dramatic reunion at Ibrox remains firmly off the cards.
