Steven Gerrard Declines Rangers Manager Role Due to Timing Concerns
Steven Gerrard has disclosed that he was "very close" to returning as manager of Rangers but ultimately decided against it, citing that circumstances were "not perfect."
The former Ibrox manager engaged in discussions with the Scottish Premiership club following the dismissal of Russell Martin last month but chose to withdraw from the consideration process.
Gerrard, who managed Rangers from 2018 to 2021 and led the team to win the Scottish title in the 2020-21 season, has since had stints with Aston Villa and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.
He expressed that his "heart was 100% there" but felt that the "timing" for a return to Ibrox was not right, particularly as his family remains based in Bahrain.
"I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners," he told TNT Sports. "However, it felt a bit rushed. I had a lot to consider and a limited time to make a decision.
"There were several uncertainties on my end. If I am to take on a challenge as significant as this, especially given my affection and connection with Rangers, it had to be perfect, and I needed to be 100% ready."
Speculation arose that Gerrard hesitated at the prospect of working under the current structure at Rangers, which includes sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart, where he would function as a head coach rather than a manager.
When questioned about this, the 45-year-old reiterated that "the timing wasn’t right from a family perspective" but acknowledged the importance of conducting thorough due diligence.
"I need to assess whether it’s the right fit for me. Is the timing appropriate, and are conditions ideal for me to perform at my best in that role? Unfortunately, it just didn’t feel right at this time," Gerrard explained.
"I have immense respect for Rangers, and I wouldn’t step into that role unless I was 80-90% ready. Hopefully, one day I will feel more prepared, and that opportunity will arise again."