Gerrard brought the Premiership title back to Ibrox in 2021 and is currently boss of Al-Ettifaq With Dave King agreeing to take over as chairman once more, everything at Rangers has changed, which has only fueled rumors of Steven Gerrard making a comeback.
Following John Bennett’s unexpected resignation, the former Ibrox supremo has stated he is the right person to help stabilize things at Govan. Some observers believe that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard may be enticed to leave the Saudi Pro League in favor of another chance to win the Scottish Premiership, given concerns about manager Philippe Clement after a rough start to the season.
The businessman’s pitch to take the top position at Ibrox included a mention of the Al-Ettifaq boss, which should come as no surprise to Rangers supporters.
Gerrard’s 2021 title-winning season was built on the foundations King helped lay, and the former England international stated that it was the South African who gave him the courage to take his first managerial steps back at Govan.
In 2019, Gerrard disclosed a non-football friendship with King, saying, “I could see his passion for the club and his determination to get it back to a respectable place, where the fans could be proud of the team again when we first met.”
That was a vision we both had. That first meeting allowed me to get to know him rather well, and our friendship has grown from there. Our dinner gatherings are always arranged whenever he visits Scotland.”
After an unfortunate 11 months at Birmingham, Gerrard departed the Light Blues to take a first-ever chance at managing in the English Premier League at Aston Villa in 2021. However, he later resumed his managerial career in the Middle East. A disastrous debut season saw big-spending Ettifaq conclude the season in sixth – but things have been radically different this time around.
The league is going to continue to grow and I am in it, I am inside it. Now, I know what you are thinking – is it going to help me get back to where I eventually dream of getting back to? That’s for other people to decide.
“People have a perception of Saudi and this league and a lot of opinions on it, which they are allowed to have. But my advice is – don’t guess at that opinion, come and see it for yourself. I have had a really positive, enjoyable experience so far. It has been really challenging professionally – on and off the pitch.
But I am enjoying my life. I want to give it the best shot I can give. I want to be loyal back to the people who have been loyal to me and I want to make a difference here in a positive way.”
While the door appears to be temporarily closed on an Ettifaq exit, Rangers fans who hope to see the former boss back in the Ibrox dugout will note that Gerrard made his move to Villa Park midway through his Light Blues’ deal. And he signed off the interview in May insisting he WILL coach outside of the Pro League in the future.
He said at the time: “I am still ambitious and hungry to be the best I can in my coaching career. So, will I coach elsewhere after this? Yes, I will. I am young. I have had success. I have had a knock. I am in the process of trying to recover from that while being in an environment where I can do a good job.”
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