Steven Gerrard has admitted to holding talks with clubs, but he does not want Rangers to ask him to return as it would likely mean the Scottish club is struggling. Gerrard had a very successful three seasons north of the border, and he led Rangers to a first title in 10 years with an invincible campaign in 2021.
Premature Endings at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq
It was the first league triumph of Gerrard's footballing career and also saw him stop bitter rivals Celtic from winning 10 consecutive titles. Just a few months on from that success, he became head coach of Aston Villa, but that spell in the Midlands and his subsequent period at Al-Ettifaq ended prematurely.
Gerrard has not worked in management since January 2025, but that option remains open. After turning down the chance to return to Ibrox, he has opened up on why he doesn't want the role.
Respect for Derek McInnes
When asked if he would ever return to the club on the Open Goal podcast, 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."
"I have got nothing but respect for Derek McInnes. He was one of the toughest challenges for us as a group of staff when he was at Aberdeen. 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."
"I follow Rangers I follow the results, I love the club. I want Derek McInnes to be successful, I've got nothing but respect for him. And I loved yesterday at the game. I went in the box speaking to Andy [Halliday] and Scott [Arfield]."
"Just watching another Old Firm. See driving up to the stadium, the scarves and being back in Ibrox and that, it was some buzz."
Happy in TV Role and Family Life
Rangers are currently just two points off Celtic after beating them before the international break. That was their sixth consecutive win with a rocky start quickly forgotten about despite elimination from the Conference League at the hands of Czechia outfit Jablonec.
With McInnes no longer in danger of losing his job, Gerrard will not have to worry about turning up to games if he wishes. He is also currently enjoying his role in TV, alongside spending time with a new arrival in the family.
The Liverpool legend added: "At the moment I am happy, I am doing TV with TNT. I have signed a new deal. I have got some other bits and bobs that I do, some commercial stuff."
"I became a grandad a year ago. I'm loving being around the family, I get enough time off. My work life balance is great. I've had quite a few offers and chats with teams and stuff but at the moment I am really happy with what I am doing."
Gerrard has also revealed that more time off has allowed him to take up padel with a partnership between him, Lydiate Learning Trust and Knowsley Council allowing him to set up the UK’s first school padel academy. A total of 16 courts across two educational facilities in Liverpool and Knowsley have been installed, with a further six new 3G football pitches also set up.
