Steven Gerrard has been linked with the Liverpool manager's job for years - and has made his feelings clear about it in the past
Steven Gerrard looks on
Steve Gerrard has never been one to mask his feelings
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Steven Gerrard once drew major attention when he interrupted an interview to rule himself out of the running for the Liverpool job. The moment took place in March 2021, at a time when Gerrard was thriving as the manager of Rangers.
Under his guidance, the Glasgow club had clinched the Scottish Premiership crown for the first time in a decade - and had astonishingly completed the league campaign unbeaten. Many viewed this as an ideal springboard for a dramatic homecoming at Anfield, particularly with Jurgen Klopp facing a certain amount of pressure then.
However, Gerrard wasted little time shutting down the rumours. While speaking about his future with Rangers, the idea of succeeding Klopp surfaced - but he rejected it outright.
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"The Liverpool fans don't want me to be the manager," he said. "They want Jurgen Klopp to continue to be the Liverpool manager - and I'm totally with all of them.
"We shouldn't talk about this, we have one of the best managers leading our club at the minute, I love him. I hope he stays for a few more years. I've got a job here. I don't think it's helpful to talk about this and I hope Jurgen stays at Liverpool for many years."
Just like Rangers, Liverpool had recently ended a long wait for the league trophy, claiming the Premier League with 99 points in 2019/20. But their attempt to retain the title collapsed when their form dipped sharply midway through the following campaign.
Gerrard
Gerrard was linked with the Liverpool job after succeeding at Rangers
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From January to March 2021, the Reds were beaten in eight of 12 league fixtures, including six losses in seven outings. The collapse placed them at real risk of missing Champions League qualification - a situation that invited scrutiny of Klopp's position.
Even so, Liverpool responded superbly in the run-in, putting together a strong two-month stretch without defeat. With eight wins from their final ten matches, they ultimately finished third and secured a place back in Europe's premier club tournament.
Klopp stayed in charge for another three seasons before leaving at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. By that point, Gerrard's prospects of replacing him had diminished after an underwhelming tenure at Aston Villa.
Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks towards Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa, during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park
Gerrard firmly rejected the idea of replacing Klopp at Anfield
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Arne Slot was eventually chosen as Klopp's successor - and he had an immediate influence. Liverpool surged to the 2024/25 Premier League title, making Slot only the fifth manager in English football to lift the trophy in his debut year.
But, similar to the events of 2020/21, their defence of the title soon collapsed. Despite winning their opening five matches of the current season, Slot's team have since endured one of the worst spells in the club's modern history, losing nine of 12 games across all competitions between September and November.
Now under heavy pressure, the Dutch coach faces the possibility of being dismissed if he cannot reverse the slide. Gerrard has again been mentioned as a potential successor - yet his remarks earlier this month indicate he intends to support Slot, just as he once defended Klopp, rather than attempting to step in.
Arne Slot looks dejected
Arne Slot is under mounting pressure at Anfield
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"Listen, the job he done from taking the reins off Jurgen Klopp was impeccable and he deserves a lot of praise for that," Gerrard said. "So that's the reason why it's been frustrating the last few weeks, people calling him for to be sacked and for there to be changes - that's absolute nonsense."
Gerrard has been unemployed since departing Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January. He was considered for a return to Rangers earlier this year after Russell Martin was dismissed, but he ultimately ruled himself out of the running.