Rangers Face Uncertainty After Gerrard Declines Coaching Role
Rangers may need to come to terms with the fact that when Steven Gerrard states 'it's not you, it's me,' he likely means the opposite.
Gerrard initially declined to be considered for the Rangers coaching position following the dismissal of Philippe Clement, citing family reasons. Recently, it was revealed that he remains uninterested in the role, stating that the timing is not right.
Reports indicate that Gerrard reached this conclusion after traveling from the Middle East to London for discussions with the Rangers management. How long does it take to convey 'I'm out'?
The reasoning behind the 'timing' excuse seems to be disingenuous. It is believed that Gerrard's reluctance to work under sporting director Kevin Thelwell was a significant factor in his decision.
Having been rejected twice, Rangers are now hinting at the possibility of a future reconciliation. However, this unreciprocated sentiment may be embarrassing for the club and unsettling for whoever ultimately fills the head coach position.
Rangers had fully committed to Gerrard, viewing him as the popular choice who would garner patience and support from the fans.
Following the disappointing tenure of Russell Martin, the club needed a figure who could inspire confidence among supporters. The new ownership didn’t require extensive data analysis; all signs pointed to Gerrard, but that opportunity has now passed.
Rangers Board Faces Crisis Following Gerrard's Rejection
The situation has become a crisis for the Rangers board, as their preferred candidate has turned them down, leaving them to consider less favorable options.
Danny Rohl, a 36-year-old former assistant manager at RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and the German national team, is reportedly the leading candidate. His managerial experience includes 89 games with Sheffield Wednesday, where he finished 20th in his first season and 12th in his second, a commendable feat considering the club’s financial struggles.
However, hiring Rohl would be a significant gamble for Rangers, especially after the tumultuous period under Martin. The club's stature demands a high-caliber manager, yet the list of viable candidates is limited.
Sean Dyche has already expressed disinterest, while Kevin Muscat, currently managing Shanghai Port in China, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Another former player, Derek McInnes, has previously declined the opportunity and is unlikely to change his mind.
While the job presents a remarkable opportunity, it also carries significant risks. The negative experiences Martin faced will not be lost on potential candidates, who may be deterred by the immediate pressure to succeed.
This is why the American consortium that took control of the club in May approached Gerrard directly. He appeared to meet many of their criteria. Although his return seemed inevitable, there were underlying concerns.
The club Gerrard left in 2021 no longer operates in the same manner. Previously, he had the autonomy and support of key figures like chairman Dave King and managing director Stewart Robertson, but now he would be working with a new leadership team that he does not know.
When he inquired about the budget, he likely received disappointing news. Rangers have reported a net spend of £20 million on players during the summer, indicating a significant financial commitment.
During his previous tenure, Gerrard had the freedom to overhaul the squad, but that level of autonomy may not be available now. Thelwell, the sporting director appointed by the new owners, was responsible for the current roster.
It can be argued that Gerrard has turned down Rangers on three occasions. The first was in October 2021 when rumors linked him to Newcastle after a Europa League victory. Five games later, he left for Aston Villa and faced difficulties there, eventually being sacked.
After a brief stint with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where he initially found some success, he departed by mutual consent after the team fell to 12th place.
While Gerrard was once the ideal candidate for Rangers, his reputation has been tarnished since leaving Ibrox. The board is now in disarray, and the future remains uncertain.