Which Lessons Can We Learn from Gerrard's Time as Glasgow Rangers Manager?
Steven Gerrard has been in the spotlight of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, and the ex-coach is set to talk about a potential comeback with the club's leadership.
Those in charge at Rangers have stated that a "comprehensive, thoughtful hiring procedure" is currently in progress.
Other candidates are set to be considered, however if ex Liverpool and England skipper is open to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position essentially his?
The 45-year-old manager lately mentioned about “remaining goals” in management and disclosed he has begun approaching prospective members for his backroom team.
In a latest audio interview with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be recorded before Martin's short reign ended, Gerrard expressed he wanted “to be at a club that's set to compete to win because I believe that fits me more”.
He continued: “If the right call arrives, the appropriate team, the correct opportunity, and I've got my people set, which I plan to have at a future date, I'll accept that role because it's part of my nature.”
Performance at Rangers in Initial Period
After gaining experience as a academy manager at Anfield, Gerrard took on his maiden coaching role in the summer of 2018.
During three complete seasons at Ibrox, he secured only a single trophy – but it proved significant.
After finishing 13 and nine points after Celtic in his first two seasons, Gerrard guided Rangers to their first top-flight championship in a ten years, which coincidentally deny their Glasgow rivals an historic 10-in-a-row win.
And he did it impressively, with his team unbeaten throughout.
Rangers triumphed in all of their domestic games, netted 92 goals and allowed a mere 13.
The drawback was that it came against a backdrop of the pandemic and fanless grounds.
It continues to be Rangers' sole league triumph since 2010-11.
What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Look?
In sharp difference to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games without defeat until his first visit to Parkhead.
In his debut season the Old Firm honours were even, each side securing two home victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.
A pair of defeats to Celtic came in the following shortened season, followed by Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.
After that, Gerrard stayed unbeaten in derbies, claiming five more and tying once.
Rangers came through four stages of qualifying to reach the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.
In 2019-20, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the identical competition, losing out to the German side in the round of 16, with their journey ending at the same stage the following season.
Why Did Gerrard Leave Rangers?
The Birmingham club made an approach in late 2021, paying £4.5m in fees.
He departed Rangers with a lead ahead of Celtic at the top of the standings – but their local opponents would claw that back to prevail by the identical gap.
The lure of the Premier League is strong and it may have been seen as the next logical step on a fairytale comeback to Liverpool at a point when his coaching reputation was at its peak.
“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the team is clearly in a better place today than it was several seasons ago,” commented then Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.
“We have had a desire to move Rangers forward, to modernise our facilities and to make the club win again.”
What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?
Gerrard did not last a full season at Aston Villa.
Inconsistent performances resulted in a mid-table position at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 loss at Fulham placed them in 17th in October 2022 when he was dismissed.
During 2022, he won just eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.
He moved to Saudi Arabia in summer 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.
His most recent role continued for a year and a half and he departed with the club sitting in 12th in the Saudi league, only five points above the relegation zone.
“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive experience personally and for my loved ones,” he remarked in the end of January. “But soccer is uncertain, and sometimes events don't unfold the way we hope.”
Those post-Ibrox experiences may give some pause for thought and the individual may have doubts over inheriting a underperforming team, but Gerrard likely has the personality to handle such a high-profile post.
He is the sole Rangers boss to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an pressured Rangers leadership.
