In a stunning revelation that will shock football fans across Britain, Steven Gerrard has confessed he came within touching distance of abandoning his managerial career at Rangers during his tumultuous first season in charge.
The Liverpool icon, now at Al-Ettifaq, opened up about the immense pressure he faced during Rangers' 2018-19 campaign, where inconsistent results and growing criticism pushed him to the brink of resignation.
The Breaking Point at Ibrox
'There was a period in the first six months where I was very close to walking away from Rangers,' Gerrard disclosed during an appearance on The Overlap's 'Stick to Football' podcast. The mental toll of managing one of Britain's most demanding clubs proved almost unbearable for the then-inexperienced manager.
Gerrard described how the combination of relentless media scrutiny, fan expectations, and the weight of Rangers' history created a pressure cooker environment that nearly broke him. 'I was suffering inside, I was having thoughts I've never had before,' he admitted, highlighting the psychological challenges of transitioning from player to manager.
From Liverpool Legend to Glasgow Pressure
The transition from Anfield hero to Ibrox boss proved far more challenging than anticipated. Despite his legendary playing career, Gerrard found himself questioning his abilities during Rangers' early struggles under his leadership.
'I was really, really low for a couple of months,' he revealed, describing how the constant criticism and second-guessing affected his confidence and mental wellbeing.
The Turning Point That Saved His Career
Fortunately for Rangers supporters, Gerrard persevered through the dark period, eventually leading the club to their historic 55th Scottish Premiership title in 2021, ending Celtic's dominance in spectacular fashion.
His success at Ibrox paved the way for his current role in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, though he continues to follow British football closely, particularly the rise of Wrexham under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham's Hollywood Story Captivates Gerrard
Gerrard expressed admiration for the transformation at Wrexham, noting how the club's documentary series and celebrity ownership have brought unprecedented attention to the lower leagues.
'What they've done at Wrexham is fantastic,' he said, praising Reynolds and McElhenney for their genuine commitment to the club and community. 'They've took a club from the National League, or even below, and galvanised it.'
The former England captain acknowledged the positive impact of celebrity investment in football, suggesting it brings new energy and opportunities to clubs that might otherwise struggle for attention.
