Steven Gerrard Declines Rangers Return, Sticking with Al-Ettifaq
Steven Gerrard has officially turned down an offer to manage Rangers for a second time, opting to remain with his current club, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. The former Liverpool captain, who previously managed the Scottish giants from 2018 to 2021, was reportedly a target for Rangers as they sought to replace Michael Beale.
Key Takeaways
- Steven Gerrard will not be returning to Rangers as manager.
- He has chosen to continue his role with Al-Ettifaq.
- The decision ends speculation about a potential Ibrox reunion.
Gerrard’s Previous Stint at Ibrox
Gerrard’s first tenure at Rangers was a significant success. He took over in the summer of 2018 and led the club to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade during the 2020-21 season, famously going unbeaten in the league that campaign. This achievement ended Celtic’s dominance and cemented Gerrard’s status as a popular figure among the Rangers faithful.
The Allure of a Return
Following his departure from Aston Villa in October 2022, Gerrard took the helm at Al-Ettifaq in July 2023. The opportunity to return to Rangers, a club where he achieved legendary status as a player and a manager, was always likely to generate considerable interest. However, the lure of his current project in Saudi Arabia appears to have outweighed the prospect of a homecoming.
Rangers’ Managerial Search Continues
With Gerrard out of the running, Rangers will now intensify their search for a new permanent manager. The club has been in a period of transition, and securing the right leadership is crucial for their ambitions both domestically and in European competition. The focus now shifts to other potential candidates who can guide the team forward.
