When pressed on whether he could become Liverpool's next manager, Steven Gerrard had plenty to say
Steven Gerrard talks pitch side as part of the TNT Sports commentary team
Steve Gerrard has never been one to mask his feelings
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Steven Gerrard once made headlines by interrupting an interview to rule himself out of contention for the Liverpool job. The incident occurred back in March 2021, when Gerrard was riding high as Rangers boss.
Under his leadership, the Gers had just secured the Scottish Premiership title for the first time in a decade -remarkably, without losing a single league game. Many saw this as the perfect springboard for a sensational return to Anfield, especially with manager Jurgen Klopp under a degree of pressure at the time.
But Gerrard was quick to dismiss the speculation. During a discussion about his future at Rangers, the topic of potentially replacing Klopp came up - but he shut it down firmly.
"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."
Like Rangers, Liverpool had just ended a long wait for a league title, storming to Premier League glory with 99 points in 2019/20. But their title defence went up in smoke when they hit a rough pitch midway through the following season.
Between January and March 2021, the Reds lost eight of 12 league games, including six defeats in seven. The slump left them in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification - a scenario that put Klopp's job under scrutiny.
Yet Liverpool rallied in the season's final stretch, going on an impressive two-month unbeaten run. Winning eight of their last 10 league fixtures, they ultimately secured third place and a return to Europe's premier competition.
Gerrard in an interview as Rangers boss
Gerrard cut the interviewer off to stress that he wanted Klopp to be Liverpool manager
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Klopp remained at the helm for another three years before stepping down at the end of the 2023/24 season. By then, Gerrard's chances of taking over had faded following a disappointing spell in charge of Aston Villa.
Arne Slot was ultimately appointed to replace Klopp - and he made an immediate impact. Liverpool galloped to the Premier League title in 2024/25, with Slot becoming just the fifth manager in English football history to win the league in his first season.
But, as was the case in 2020/21, their title defence quickly unravelled. After winning their first five league games this season, Slot's side suffered the club's worst run of form in decades, losing nine of 12 matches in all competitions between September and November.
Arne Slot looks dejected
Arne Slot is under massive pressure to turn the tide at Liverpool
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Now under immense pressure, the Dutch manager faces the threat of dismissal if he cannot steady the ship. Once again, Gerrard's name has been linked with the role - but comments he made earlier this month suggest he wants to stand firmly behind Slot, just as he did with Klopp, rather than stepping in to seize the job.
"Listen, the job he done from taking the reins off Jurgen Klopp was impeccable and he deserves a lot of praise for that," Gerrard insisted. "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 out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in January. He was in contention to return to Rangers earlier this season following the sacking of Russell Martin, but ultimately turned the opportunity down.
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