Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has revealed the significant financial barrier preventing his immediate return to football management in the United Kingdom, despite being present at Anfield during another difficult night for his former club.
The Tax Dilemma Facing Gerrard
Steven Gerrard cannot accept a permanent managerial position in the UK until April due to a potential £10 million tax bill, the former England captain confirmed while working as a pundit for TNT Sports. Gerrard has been without a coaching role since departing Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in January, but must remain outside the country for a full tax year to protect his earnings from taxation.
The 45-year-old is permitted to spend up to 91 days in the UK during this tax year, but accepting a full-time management position would immediately breach this allowance. This financial reality means Gerrard won't be rushing into any dugout role, despite his availability and proximity to Anfield during Liverpool's current struggles.
Liverpool's Deepening Crisis Under Slot
Gerrard witnessed firsthand the mounting pressure on current Liverpool manager Arne Slot as PSV Eindhoven delivered a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night. The loss marked Liverpool's third consecutive defeat by a three-goal margin, following similar disappointments against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
The defending Premier League champions are in serious disarray, having lost nine of their last twelve matches across all competitions. Empty seats at Anfield told their own story as Dutch side PSV comfortably outplayed Slot's team, leaving the manager facing intense scrutiny just months after securing the Premier League title in his debut campaign.
Gerrard's Cautious Assessment
While analysing the match for TNT Sports, Gerrard offered a measured perspective on Liverpool's situation. "Each defeat, especially the manner of defeat, you become closer to the crisis," he stated. "I don't like using the word crisis because a crisis to me is a club that needs years to get back to the top."
The former midfielder emphasised that Liverpool still possess "magnificent players" from the title-winning squad, but didn't shy away from highlighting the team's obvious problems. "They're conceding too many goals, they're wide open, they're vulnerable and unstable," Gerrard observed post-match. "Liverpool's problems become deeper, pressure intensifies even more and there needs to be soul searching for sure."
Despite Gerrard's presence at Anfield sparking speculation among some supporters, Mirror Football understands that Arne Slot's position remains secure for now. However, with a crucial Premier League encounter against West Ham approaching on Sunday, the Dutch manager desperately needs to reverse his team's fortunes to alleviate the growing pressure.
