Steven Gerrard has been linked with a number of managerial vacancies since leaving Al-Ettifaq last year, but the Liverpool legend has now landed a new punditry role with TNT Sports
Steven Gerrard will work for TNT Sports this season
Steven Gerrard will work for TNT Sports this season(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard is set to spearhead TNT Sports' presentation of the Premier League and Champions League this campaign in an expanded capacity.
The Champions League-winning skipper had a limited involvement last term, appearing periodically across TNT's top-flight, FA Cup and elite European soccer output. Yet with Sunday's Community Shield serving as the season's opener, it signals the start of a more substantial position for Gerrard.
The 46-year-old resumed his broadcasting career following his managerial stints with Rangers, Aston Villa and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq. Gerrard will have a significant presence throughout TNT's Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup programming as both a pundit and co-commentator.
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The network will broadcast more than 700 fixtures, encompassing the Women's FA Cup, Serie A and the Europa League.
Since departing the Middle East, the England legend has been continuously connected with vacant positions, including speculative suggestions to assume control of Liverpool temporarily during the team's difficulties under Arne Slot last campaign.
This summer, he was strongly linked with the Burnley vacancy while holding discussions about returning to Rangers following Russell Martin's dismissal.
Gerrard has previously managed Rangers, Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq
Gerrard has previously managed Rangers, Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq(Image: Getty Images)
Gerrard acknowledged his willingness to assist Liverpool throughout their challenging spell last term. He said: "I've got a brilliant connection with the club, I always have, and probably a stronger connection since I left. They've always been unbelievable.
"Any area I could help the club in, I'd always try to do it if I could. But I suppose what you want to know is do I want to manage Liverpool at some point in my life? Of course, that'd be a dream.
"Would I be ready for it right now, to take it over a period of time? Probably not. But is there a possibility in the future to be beside someone, those elite managers you're talking about? It depends who it is and how the conversation goes. Does he need me? What does he think I can offer? As long as I'm not sub, I'll be fine!
"You have to understand it before you sign up to it, what the role is. It's to support the manager, to be that assistant. I would do it for Liverpool Football Club, if I was asked and if they felt I was the right man to do it, I'd be open to it yeah."
His transition into a more prominent punditry role may well prompt questions over whether the Anfield icon will ever make his return to the technical area. His potential comeback at Rangers failed to materialize, as the opportunity at Ibrox did not feel quite right.
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Speaking to TNT ahead of last season's Champions League final, Gerrard revealed he had been savoring his time away from the pressures and demands of soccer management.
"Who knows? You never shut the door, I'm enjoying the work-life balance, coaching is tough, it's challenging," he said. "I've had some real big opportunities and enjoyed a lot of it. At the moment, family time, TNT, doing bits what I do, traveling, I'm enjoying it.
"I'm really happy at the moment, getting a lot of time with my kids, which I've missed whilst I have been coaching, so at the moment, I would say maybe (return to management)."