Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has publicly outlined the specific condition required for him to make a dramatic return to Rangers as manager, admitting he turned down the chance to go back to Ibrox earlier this season.
The Door Remains Open for an Ibrox Comeback
Speaking exclusively to Ally McCoist on TNT Sports' Ally's Social Club, Gerrard confirmed he withdrew from consideration for the Rangers hotseat in October 2025, following the sacking of Russell Martin. The former Aston Villa boss was the clear favourite to take over after Martin was dismissed due to a poor start to the campaign.
Despite positive talks between the two parties, Gerrard felt the timing was not right for an immediate return. However, he has emphatically left the possibility open for the future, stating his enduring affection for the Glasgow club he led to a historic Scottish Premiership title in 2021.
"I'm Not a Magician": Gerrard's Frank Assessment
The former England captain was candid about the challenges of managing Rangers and the support he would need to succeed. "I've got a special affinity and feeling for Rangers now. I want to help that club - I really do," Gerrard told McCoist.
He elaborated on his crucial stipulation for any potential comeback, emphasising the need for the correct infrastructure. "But you have to have the right tools and the right opportunity to help that club, because I know how difficult it is. I understand how heavy it is when you put that on your neck and shoulders."
Gerrard stressed that his confidence in turning the club's fortunes around is contingent on his working environment. "If I've got the right tools and I'm surrounded by the right people, I've got confidence in myself that I can make Rangers good again. But if I'm not surrounded by the right people and I don't have the right tools, I'm not a magician, Ally. I'd only take it if it was right."
Rangers' Current Struggles Without Gerrard
The context of Gerrard's comments is Rangers' ongoing difficulties in the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. At the time of his interview, the club finds itself in a disappointing fourth position in the league table.
More concerningly, the Ibrox side is currently nine points adrift of league leaders Hearts, highlighting the scale of the task facing any new manager. Gerrard's initial tenure is remembered for definitively ending Celtic's dominance and securing the club's first top-flight title in a decade, a feat that underscores his previous success in Glasgow.
The full interview, featuring Steven Gerrard's revealing conversation with Rangers icon Ally McCoist, is available to watch on the TNT Sports YouTube channel from 22 December 2025.
