Steven Gerrard breaks his silence over his choice to turn down the Rangers managerial job

Steven Gerrard explains why he turned down a Rangers return

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has finally opened up about his decision not to return to Rangers, despite being heavily linked with a sensational comeback following Russell Martin’s dismissal earlier this month.

The 45-year-old, who famously guided Rangers to their first league title in a decade during the 2020/21 campaign, admitted that “everything had to be perfect” for him to take on the challenge again. Gerrard previously managed the Ibrox side from 2018 to 2021 before departing for Aston Villa.

Since leaving Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent in January, the former England captain has been out of work. But after Martin’s sacking, speculation mounted about a potential reunion in Glasgow — a move that ultimately didn’t materialise, with Danny Röhl instead taking charge.

Speaking to TNT Sports on Saturday, Gerrard shed light on his thought process during the discussions.

“In terms of Rangers, it was very close,” Gerrard said. “I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners. But it felt a bit rushed to me because my family were in Bahrain at the time. I had a lot to consider and not much time to make a decision.

“There were a few things I wasn’t entirely sure about. And if I’m going to take on a challenge as big and important as that — especially with my affection and connection to Rangers — it had to be perfect. I needed to be 100 per cent ready. Unfortunately, the timing just didn’t feel right.”

The former midfielder added that his respect for Rangers and their supporters played a major role in his decision to step back.

“I wouldn’t go into that job if I was only 80 or 90 per cent ready,” he continued. “Hopefully one day, I’ll be more prepared and that opportunity might come again. If it doesn’t, I’ll always wish the club all the very best. My heart is, and always will be, with Rangers — but I also have to look at it from a football point of view.”

Gerrard described Rangers as a “massive club” with immense pressure and responsibility, saying that while his heart was willing, the timing simply wasn’t right to make his long-awaited return.