Steven Gerrard lined up for new managerial job after Saudi exit - 'Wouldn't be surprised'

Steven Gerrard could make a shock return to Rangers after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, says Ibrox icon Ally McCoist. The Liverpool legend endured a tough run in the Saudi Pro League in what was just his third managerial stint. After a tumultuous 18 months at the helm, he finally departed by mutual consent at the end of January. Without a job, Gerrard will be hoping to regain the managerial flair he showed when bringing a Scottish league title to Ibrox in 2021 before being poached by Aston Villa, where he suffered a fate similar to his Saudi Arabian nightmare.

Yet, McCoist, who played nearly 600 times for the Glasgow-based 'Gers, believes that should Gerrard wish to rediscover the ability he showed during his first job, then heading back to a successful hunting ground is the solution. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Steven Gerrard came back to Ibrox,” McCoist told sports betting site talkSPORT BET. “He’s obviously held in really high regard by the supporters because of the league title he won, and his next job is going to be vitally important for him.

“Things haven’t gone according to plan for him after he left Rangers. A little bit like Frank Lampard going to Coventry – his next appointment was really important to him as well, so we’ll see what Steven ends up choosing to do with his career.”. While McCoist feels as though Gerrard would be welcomed back to Glasgow with open arms, there is currently no vacancy. Philippe Clement holds the managerial position there, and prior pressure on the Belgian has lifted.

“I think at this moment in time. however, the majority of Rangers fans have accepted that Philippe Clement has been given the backing of the board,” McCoist added. “In fairness to him, there’s been a steady improvement in performances and results – they did really well to finish in the top eight of the Europa League table, particularly given the strength of some of the teams that they played. Having said that, some of the performances away from home have been completely unacceptable. They’ve been really poor in some games.”.

Though some may expect Gerrard to return to the UK for his next role after leaving Al-Ettifaq, the Reds icon made it clear that managing abroad has opened his eyes to new experiences and a different culture. “I was warmly welcomed, and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture,” Gerrard wrote in a statement upon leaving Al-Ettifaq. “So overall, I have learned a lot and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. But football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go the way we want. However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country.”.

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