What Lessons Should We Learn from Gerrard's Time as Rangers Manager?

Steven Gerrard with the Scottish Premiership trophy in May 2021
Steven Gerrard lifting the league trophy in May 2021

The former Liverpool captain has been in the spotlight of conversation after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on Sunday, while the former manager will talk about a possible return with the team's owners.

Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "thorough, considered recruitment process" is currently underway.

Additional names are set to be considered, but if ex Liverpool and England captain is open to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position essentially his?

The mid-forties manager has recently mentioned about “unfinished business” in management and revealed he has begun contacting prospective staff for his backroom team.

In a latest podcast discussion with the former defender, appearing to be filmed prior to Martin's short reign concluded, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a club that's set to compete to win because I think that suits me better”.

He added: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at a future date, I'll take that challenge on because it's in me.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in Initial Period

Having acquired knowledge as a youth development coach at Liverpool, Gerrard took on his first managerial role in the summer of 2018.

During three full campaigns at Rangers, he won just one trophy – but it was a big one.

Following placements of 13 and nine points after Celtic in his first two campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a decade, which coincidentally prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented tenth consecutive title.

And he did it in style, with his team undefeated in the process.

Rangers triumphed in all of their domestic games, scored 92 goals and allowed a only 13.

The drawback was that it occurred against a backdrop of Covid and empty stadiums.

It continues to be Rangers' only title success since the 2010-11 season.

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Perform?

In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing spell, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games without defeat until his initial trip to Celtic Park.

In his debut campaign the derby results were shared, each side securing two home wins, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

A pair of defeats to Celtic came in the next truncated season, followed by Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

After that, Gerrard remained unbeaten in derbies, claiming five more and drawing once.

Rangers came through four rounds of preliminaries to reach the group stage of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.

In the 2019-20 campaign, they advanced to the knockout rounds of the same competition, being eliminated to the German side in the round of 16, with their run ending at the same stage the following season.

What Led Gerrard Depart Rangers?

The Birmingham club made an approach in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in fees.

He left Rangers four points clear of Celtic at the summit of the table – however their city rivals would claw that back to win by the identical gap.

The lure of the Premier League is strong and it may have been seen as the natural progression on a dream return to Liverpool at a point when his coaching reputation was high.

“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the club is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” commented at the time Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a goal to move Rangers forward, to update our facilities and to make the club win again.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?

Gerrard failed to complete a year at Aston Villa.

Inconsistent results yielded a 14th-place finish at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 loss at Fulham left them in 17th in autumn 2022 when he was dismissed.

During 2022, he won only eight of his 31 games, suffering defeat in 15.

He moved to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His latest role continued for 18 months and he moved on with the club placed 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a positive journey personally and for my family,” he remarked in the end of January. “But football is unpredictable, and at times events don't unfold the way we hope.”

Those post-Ibrox exploits may give certain hesitation and the man himself might harbor concerns over taking over a struggling team, but Gerrard likely has the personality to handle such a high-profile post.

He is the sole Rangers boss to have lifted the championship since the legendary Walter Smith. That experience might well be difficult to overlook for an under-pressure Rangers leadership.

Thomas Diaz
Thomas Diaz

A productivity coach and writer passionate about helping individuals optimize their time and reach their full potential.