Steven Gerrard’s managerial career hasn’t gone as well as he would have liked since leaving Rangers, with unsuccessful spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq occupying the two most recent employment positions on his CV.
The Liverpool legend’s bank balance might have swollen significantly during his time in Saudi Arabia, but his managerial stock plummeted, and he could now be set to return to the club he made his name at as a manager in a bid to rebuild his reputation.
Gerrard spent three years north of the border between 2018 and 2021, guiding Rangers to Scottish Premiership glory during his final full season in charge, which ultimately earned him the Villa job.
And he is now the odds-on favorite to return to Ibrox as Rangers searches for a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was dismissed in February.
Barry Ferguson, who was placed in interim charge following Clement’s dismissal, left Rangers following the conclusion of the Gers’ season last weekend, and it appears as though Gerrard is on his way to replacing him.
Gerrard’s odds to get the job have shortened, and an Instagram post from Djibril Cisse has only served to heighten speculation that the Reds legend is heading back to Glasgow.
That’s because Gerrard has pulled out of a charity game in France next week, with Cisse saying the Liverpudlian’s withdrawal is due to “professional reasons.”
“Steven Gerrard just advised me that he won’t be able to grace his presence for my anniversary next Tuesday, May 27th,” Cisse wrote. “My disappointment is great but my respect for my captain goes above all. What we lived together in Istanbul 20 years ago, Will go above and beyond. Big respect captain.”
Rangers fans in the comments took those “professional reasons” to mean that Gerrard is set to return for a second stint in charge.
Gerrard is held in high regard by Rangers fans for the success he brought to the club during his time in charge, despite leaving to take the Villa job midway through the 2021-22 season.
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After leaving Rangers in November 2021, Gerrard also spoke of his fondness for the club, saying: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club.
“Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”
