Steven Gerrard has opened up about his relationship with Rangers, offering fans a rare glimpse into why he has kept his distance from Ibrox in recent years. The former Gers boss, who famously led the club to their historic 55th league title in 2021, explained that his reluctance to attend matches in person stems purely from respect for whoever is sitting in the managerial hotseat. Gerrard admitted he intentionally avoids dressing in a suit and sitting prominently in the directors’ box to ensure his presence never becomes an unnecessary distraction or casts a shadow over the current management team.
Addressing the current state of affairs at Govan, Gerrard was full of praise for current Rangers manager Derek McInnes. Reflecting on their past battles on the touchline, the Liverpool icon recalled how McInnes’s Aberdeen side presented some of the toughest tactical challenges during his tenure in Scotland. He emphasized that he holds McInnes in the highest regard, expressing complete backing for him to bring sustained success back to Ibrox. Gerrard noted that he wants nothing more than to see the club flourish under McInnes so that Rangers never find themselves in a position where they need to look backward for answers.
Despite staying away for extended periods, Gerrard proved his enduring affection for the club during a recent low-key return to watch Rangers triumph over Celtic. Enjoying the match quietly alongside former players Andy Halliday and Scott Arfield, he admitted how much he loved soaking in the Ibrox atmosphere once again as a supporter. Gerrard reaffirmed that he remains a dedicated fan who checks every result, clarifying that his absence from the stadium has never been about a lack of love for the club, but rather a deliberate choice to let the current manager work without extra pressure.
For now, a return to the dugout does not appear to be on the immediate horizon for the former England captain. Gerrard revealed he is thoroughly enjoying his current role as a pundit for TNT Sports, having recently signed a new contract, which allows him to maintain a healthy work-life balance alongside commercial commitments and spending quality time with his family. While he naturally left the door open with a playful “who knows” regarding a future managerial return, his primary message was clear: he remains a staunch Rangers supporter whose main priority is backing Derek McInnes and watching the club succeed.