Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has given a significant update on his future managerial plans amidst ongoing speculation about a potential return to Ibrox.
Gerrard, who was adored by fans during his first stint at the club, led Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title, ending Celtic's dream of a historic 10-in-a-row victory. His side remained unbeaten throughout the league season as the club ended their decade-long wait for the league title in 2021.
His successful tenure earned him a move to the English Premier League with Aston Villa, where he was in charge for just under a year. Subsequently, Gerrard shocked the footballing world by becoming manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq for 18 months, but he is now out of work and has been linked with a return to Rangers.
Gerrard has been suggested as a potential candidate for the Rangers job by several ex-players and pundits, particularly in light of the impending 49ers takeover. However, the Liverpool legend has shut down the possibility of taking over the reins this season. When asked about his immediate plans for the future on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Gerrard stated: "I don't want to be back in work, mate."
Rangers icon Barry Ferguson is currently overseeing the team as interim manager until the summer. Ferguson has impressed many with victories over Celtic and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, securing a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.
It remains uncertain whether the 47-year-old will be given the role permanently. However, Gerrard's timeline could potentially align with the club's vision for their next permanent manager.
"I don't want to be back in work, mate," Gerrard recently told his ex-Liverpool team-mate Crouch in a telling nine-word statement, adding: "Not at the moment.
"I've just come out, so I'm happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff. I'm just being free, away from stress and all that.
"I will go back in at some point, but when it's around the clock, which I've been doing the last 18-19 months in terms of the last job, I just want to be free, I just want to have a game of golf, go down the boozer and have a couple of beers.
"I want to do normal things that you can't really do when you're coaching, so I am all good."
Gerard was in charge of Rangers for a little over three years before leaving for Villa in November 2021. His most recent role saw him guide Al-Etiifaq to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League last season before leaving his role in January.
Restating his current state of relaxation, he added: "I'm good and stress-free. I'm out of work in terms of the coaching and management, which is obviously 24/7. I'm back in Liverpool for a couple of weeks, seeing friends and family. I'm great, I'm all good."
While Gerrard enjoys his time away from the sport, Rangers' focus will be on a successful end to the season., despite being 13 points behind Celtic in the league. Their Europa League quarter-final tie with Athletic Club takes place next Thursday, and the club have pedigree in the competition, having reached the final in 2022.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
