Why Gerrard is More Equipped For Rangers Manager Job Now

Steven Gerrard is in the frame to become Rangers’ new manager for the second time in his career.

The Liverpool and England icon has taken charge at Ibrox previously having lifted the Scottish Premiership title with the club back in 2021.

It was a monumental victory that season with the Light Blues thwarting Neil Lennon and Celtic from winning what would have been 10 league trophies in a row, a feat never accomplished in Scotland.

Gerrard will always be considered a legend at Rangers and after Russell Martin was sacked by Gers following a miserable start to the new season, the 45-year-old was always set to be among the names considered.

It is understood Rangers have reached out to Gerrard and are ready to speak with him over their vacancy with the coach currently out of work.

And yet the question remains whether or not the ex-Reds captain would be willing to make the move back to Glasgow to take care of possible unfinished business and challenge Celtic instead of Hearts.

Steven Gerrard in next Rangers manager frame

But what exactly would Rangers be getting from Gerrard this time round? He departed for Aston Villa at a key moment in the club’s history in 2021 as they looked to strengthen their hold over the league title ahead of their rivals.

Some fans still consider Gerrard a turncoat for leaving.

And he has not had much success as a boss since that day.

Well, let’s look at the statistics. At Rangers Gerrard won a trophy which is more than can be said about Martin and indeed most recent Light Blues bosses.

From 192 games in charge, Gerrard managed 124 victories with 41 draws thrown in there. He only suffered 27 defeats throughout his time with the Scottish giants.

That brought about 407 goals scored and 139 conceded with an average points per game sitting at 2.15.

Since then, the coach has developed as a tactician and earned experience at the absolute highest level in a Premier League dugout.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 25: Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard is seen during the pre season friendly match between Rangers and Coventry City at Ibrox Stadium on July 25, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

What manager experience does Steven Gerrard have?

Gerrard managed Villa in 40 matches and won 13 of them. Actually, 38 games came in the top division in England’s set-up which is more experience of the league than plenty of gaffers will see throughout their careers.

His Villans scored 49 goals and shipped 52 in the same number of matches but his points per game score was down from his previous role at 1.18.

Swapping UK for Saudi, Gerrard would then make the move to become Al-Ettifaq manager where he would seriously struggle with the culture shock as well as the quality of football.

Despite his reputation and status in the game he was unable to really ensure his squad grasped his tactical plans and he won just 19 of his 55 matches.

Drawing 16 and losing 20, Gerrard still sorted a 1.33 points per game ratio and his team scored 69 goals compared to the 65 they conceded.

Why Rangers want Steven Gerrard back as manager

Rangers will be gaining an already winning manager in Scotland who has a point to prove after leaving the club mid-season previously.

It appears he has reservations about the squad Martin left behind but the boss seems to love a challenge and would be unlikely to shirk it.

He certainly has more experience now than he did when he walked away four years ago, and that would leave Gers in a decent spot.

Gerrard also needs no time to introduce himself to a new team and he will expect them to get with his programme or be shipped out in January.

There are also players at the club, still, who were there during his first stint in Scotland.

Captain James Tavernier is still around and understands what Gerrard demands.

That can only help the next generation of his players – should he take the gig – as the leader on the pitch translating his message can be vital.