Steven Gerrard rejected ‘perfect’ opportunity to return to management

Steven Gerrard has admitted Rangers offered him the ‘perfect’ opportunity earlier this year – even though he turned it down.

The Liverpool legend has been out of work for most of 2025 since leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in January.

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Gerrard enjoyed great success at Ibrox between 2018 and 2021, ending Celtic‘s nine-year grip on the Scottish Premiership and winning the 2020/21 title without losing a single league match.

Since then, however, spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq have left much to be desired.

He was close to returning to the dugout in October when Rangers came calling for a second time after Russell Martin was sacked.

However, Gerrard ultimately decided against going back to Glasgow, and current manager Danny Rohl was appointed instead.

Reflecting on his decision, Gerrard told The Smith Bros podcast: “I think I suit a certain job; the passionate crowd – I need to try and feed off that.

“Something has to match my skillset, if you know what I mean.

“I am looking for the right match. Rangers was perfect, I was really close to going up there again.

“It’s just the timing and a few other situations that weren’t aligned.

“Rangers is my type of club – the fans, the passion, you can feed off it.

“It certainly suits the way that I go about it, but if something doesn’t come or something where I feel like I can compete for the prizes, I am comfortable to do what I am doing.”

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No rush

The 45-year-old insisted he is not actively looking for a new job, having found a comfortable balance between his professional and personal life.

Gerrard also admitted his experiences at Villa and Al-Ettifaq have made him extra picky with job offers.

He said: “I’ve been busy-ish. Loads of free time with the family, with the granddaughter coming.

“We’re trying to be around as much as we can, which is why we’ve moved home.

“I’m sort of unofficially working with TNT covering Champions League and Premier League matches – they’ve been really accommodating, letting me pick and choose games due to my family situation.

“So, trying to stay local with the Premier League games and just the odd Champions League. Then, endorsement stuff – a little bit in the Far East, meet and greets, that type of stuff.

Steven Gerrard’s coaching career

“I spoke to a couple of clubs, opportunities that have come up on the phone and unfortunately nothing (is) there at the moment.

“I am comfortable and easy with that. I am not looking for a job or steaming for a job.

“After the last two I do have to make sure it’s the right one.”