Richard Keys has posed a theory on why Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard might have declined the Rangers managerial position. The former Reds star has been without a managerial role since his departure from Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq in January.
Arne Slot, the current head coach at Liverpool, has found his position at Anfield under scrutiny recently. The Reds have suffered nine losses in their last 12 matches across all competitions and currently sit in 12th place in the Premier League table.
Liverpool have also conceded three goals in each of their last three matches, letting in 10 goals during this period. Consequently, there's been speculation about the Anfield bosses contemplating a change, although it's understood that Slot's job is secure for now.
Gerrard has been loosely associated with the Liverpool manager's role in the past, and these rumours have intensified given the club's recent poor performance.
Earlier in the season, the 45 year old was reportedly on the brink of a return to Rangers, but a move to the Scottish Premiership heavyweights never came to fruition as he ultimately withdrew from contention despite engaging in discussions.
TV presenter Keys has speculated that Gerrard may not have taken the Rangers job due to the potential opportunity of replacing Slot at Liverpool in the future.
"There is no way Steven Gerrard didn't know about the probability of this upcoming opportunity when he turned Rangers down," Keys wrote on X on Thursday evening.
Steven Gerrard.
Steven Gerrard. (Image: Getty Images)
Despite Gerrard being linked with replacing Slot as Liverpool manager, it appears highly improbable that the former midfielder will accept the position at Anfield in the immediate future.
One significant factor relates to taxation, with Gerrard potentially facing a £10million tax liability should he accept a managerial position in the UK before April. The former captain must remain overseas for a complete tax year to ensure his earnings remain exempt from UK tax.
Gerrard is presently permitted to return to the UK for 91 days during the current tax year. Consequently, if the Liverpool icon were to assume a managerial role in the UK before April, he would be required to spend longer than that period in the country and would exceed the permitted threshold.
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Following Liverpool's 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV in midweek, Gerrard expressed his backing for Slot amid the swirling speculation.
"Each defeat, especially the manner of defeat, you become closer to the crisis," said Gerrard on TNT Sports. "I don't like using the word crisis because a crisis to me is a club that needs years to get back to the top.
"I don't think Liverpool are at that point at all. They've still got magnificent players. This is still the majority of a squad that won the league a few months ago. So I think 'crisis' is too strong. But you can't deny that this team is struggling massively."
Slot has a crucial task at hand to steer the team back on course, and their upcoming match against West Ham at the London Stadium this Sunday presents an opportunity to return to victory.