Steven Gerrard will spearhead TNT Sports' coverage of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup this season, casting fresh doubt over a return to football management.
The former Liverpool and England captain played a supporting role in punditry last season, but Sunday's Community Shield signals the start of a more prominent position. The 46-year-old returned to punditry following his managerial stints at Rangers, Aston Villa and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
Punditry role expanded
Gerrard will feature heavily as part of TNT Sports' coverage of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup as both a pundit and co-commentator.
Since departing the Middle East, the England great has been persistently linked with managerial vacancies, including tentative suggestions he could take temporary charge of Liverpool during their turbulent spell under Arne Slot last season.
Links to Burnley and Rangers
He was strongly touted for the Burnley job this summer, while also entering discussions to return to Rangers following Russell Martin's dismissal. However, the former midfielder has remained out of the glare of football management since stepping away from Ettifaq in January 2025.
The Liverpool icon proved to be a sounding board during a turgid Premier League title defence for Slot's side, with Gerrard going as far as signalling his willingness to support his old club during their challenging period.
Gerrard on Liverpool connection
He said: "I've got a brilliant connection with the club, I always have, and probably a stronger connection since I left. They've always been unbelievable."
"Any area I could help the club in, I'd always try to do it if I could. But I suppose what you want to know is do I want to manage Liverpool at some point in my life? Of course, that'd be a dream."
"Would I be ready for it right now, to take it over a period of time? Probably not. But is there a possibility in the future to be beside someone, those elite managers you're talking about?"
"It depends who it is and how the conversation goes. Does he need me? What does he think I can offer? As long as I'm not sub I'll be fine!"
"You have to understand it before you sign up to it, what the role is. It's to support the manager, to be that assistant. I would do it for Liverpool Football Club, if I was asked and if they felt I was the right man to do it, I'd be open to it yeah."
Enjoying break from management
The switch to a more high-profile punditry position may spark questions about whether the legendary Liverpool figure will make a comeback to the dugout.
His potential return to Rangers collapsed because the opportunity at Ibrox didn't feel appropriate, and speaking to TNT Sports ahead of last season's Champions League final, Gerrard confessed he was relishing his break from the demands and pressures of football management.
"Who knows? You never shut the door, I'm enjoying the work-life balance, coaching is tough, it's challenging," he said. "I've had some real big opportunities and enjoyed a lot of it. At the moment, family time, TNT, doing bits what I do, travelling, I'm enjoying it."
"I'm really happy at the moment, getting a lot of time with my kids which I've missed whilst I have been coaching so at the moment, I would say maybe (return to management)."
