Rangers’ latest defeat to St. Mirren has placed extra pressure on manager Philippe Clement with Steven Gerrard linked to a return to Scotland
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard continues to be linked with a return to Rangers following his departure from Saudi Arabia.
Gerrard’s best years as a manager arguably occurred during his tenure with the Scottish giants. His team went undefeated during their 2020/21 championship season. However, Gerrard’s fortunes have not improved since leaving Rangers.
His move at Aston Villa lasted less than a year due to a dismal run of performances. His most recent assignment was with Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq. Despite being paid a whopping £15 million per year, he only won 23 of his 59 games managed in Saudi.
Now, with Rangers trailing Scottish rivals Celtic in the Premiership table, whispers of a probable Philippe Clement replacement abound – and Gerrard is among them.
The most recent connection between the two parties was made through Gerrard’s social media activities. He responded on Rangers’ defender Borna Barisic’s Instagram post about his injury. The Liverpool great just wrote a message containing two heart emojis.
A new manager might fit with the ‘fresh start’ that is on the horizon as a buyout deal led by the San Francisco 49ers nears completion. Bringing Gerrard back also has the advantage of the Scouser understanding the needs of Rangers in Scottish football.
The number one ambition for the Gers every year is to dethrone Celtic, which Gerrard has done once previously. Jermain Defoe, an English striker who played under Gerrard at Rangers, recalls Gerrard being eager to get back on track after their title victory.
He told Sky Sports: “I remember being at Rangers when Stevie said that. We won the league, then the following season I was like, ‘okay, I’ve been informed that we have to win the league and a cup’.
“I know you have to. So he told the players, “You have to drive those kinds of standards and try to do it again.”
