STEVEN GERRARD has revealed why he declined a return to Rangers, despite his heart being “100 percent there.”
The football legend, 45, managed the Ibrox team from 2018 to 2021, leading them to their only league title in the past 14 seasons during his time in charge.
Steven Gerrard appeared on TNT Sports on Saturday nightCredit: ReutersGerrard, 45, managed Rangers between 2018 and 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He left the club in November 2021 and subsequently took charge of a team in Saudi Arabia.
After parting ways with the Middle Eastern club by mutual consent in January, the former England star was given the opportunity to return to Rangers last month following the exit of their previous manager.
However, after discussions with the club’s management, Gerrard declined the offer, leading Rangers to appoint Danny Rohl instead.
Currently out of a managerial position, Gerrard served as a pundit on TNT Sports during the recent match between Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Commenting on his talks with Rangers ahead of the game, he stated: “Regarding Rangers, I was very close to returning and had some really positive and engaging discussions with the owners.
“It felt a bit rushed for me because my family was in Bahrain at the time, and I had a lot to consider in a limited timeframe to make a decision.
“There were a few aspects I was unsure about. If I were to take on such a significant challenge, it needed to be perfect, and I had to be fully prepared.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready due to the timing, so I decided to step aside. They now have a fantastic manager, and I wish them all the best.”
Gerrard led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021Credit: Reuters
“My heart was completely in it because of my connection to the club.”
Reports suggest that Gerrard was not satisfied with the organizational structure at Rangers.
It is said that he would have had to work as a head coach under sporting director Kevin Thelwell, rather than assuming the role of manager.
When asked about the structure, a reserved Gerrard mentioned that he may still return to Ibrox in the future, adding: “I need to evaluate if it’s the right fit for me.
“Is the timing appropriate, and are the conditions ideal for me to be the best version of myself in that role? Unfortunately, it didn’t feel right at this time.
“I respect Rangers too much to enter the position if I was only 80-90 percent ready, but I hope that one day I’ll be more prepared, and that opportunity may arise again.”
Gerrard has been married to his wife Alex since 2007, and they have four children together: Lilly-Ella, 21, Lexie, 19, Lourdes, 13, and Lio, 8.
Lilly-Ella was seen back in July.
Rangers have had a challenging start to the season.
The Glasgow club currently sits fourth in the standings, having won only three of their first ten matches, and they are already 14 points behind the leaders.
Rangers were eliminated from the by Club Brugge during August’s playoff round, and they now find themselves at the bottom of the 36-team league phase table.
Rohl’s team will face in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals this afternoon.
Rangers appointed Danny Rohl as Russell Martin’s successor last monthCredit: SNS
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Steven Gerrard appeared on TNT Sports on Saturday nightCredit: Reuters
Gerrard, 45, managed Rangers between 2018 and 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Gerrard led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021Credit: Reuters
Rangers appointed Danny Rohl as Russell Martin’s successor last monthCredit: SNS
