Steven Gerrard to return to Rangers? Everything we know as Philippe Clement faces sack

There are few things that Rangers and Al-Ettifaq have ever had in common, until now. Discontent amongst fans of the two clubs, one third in the Scottish Premiership and the other languishing in 10th in the Saudi Pro League, is at fever pitch with both of their respective managers on the brink.

The latest blow to Phillippe Clement, who took over at the Glasgow giants in October 2023, came in midweek with a 2-1 loss to Aberdeen leaving his side nine points off league leaders Celtic. Steven Gerrard meanwhile, a man familiar to Rangers fans, is reportedly set to be sacked after his side’s King’s Cup exit.

If both do go, could Gerrard return to where his managerial career began? Express Sport looks at what we know about the situation so far….

Clement refusing to resign

If there’s one thing Rangers fans have begrudgingly accepted about their French boss, it’s that he’s defiant. Despite the widespread calls to go, he has instead he will continue to give everything to turn the situation around. 

"Fans are not happy now, it is about creating consistency again and creating momentum,” he said this week. “We spoke about a big rebuild, we are working really hard with the players to get to the level as fast as possible. We will work as hard as possible."

And in his press conference on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s League Cup semi-final tie with Motherwell, Clement also revealed he had not held any talks with the club board over his future. If the door is to be opened for a Gerrard return, it seems the current boss will need matters taken out of his own hands.

Gerrard ‘wanted to defend title’ at Rangers

Gerrard himself has never hidden his desire to one day manage Liverpool, and since leaving for Aston Villa in late 2021 has also not so much as hinted at a return to Rangers. Nor has he given any indication that he will resign from his £15.2million-a-year contract in the Middle East, despite the speculation over his future.

However, in an explosive twist the man who brought him to Ibrox, Dave King, has claimed it was his replacement as chairman Douglas Park who caused Gerard to leave. “Let’s be absolutely clear, Steven was not ready to go when he went,” he said.

“Steven wanted to defend the title and I’d extended his contract at his request. Steven was absolutely kicked out. I have no doubts about that. He did not want to leave at that point in time. He would have left, but not at that point in time. It wasn’t what he wanted to do.”

Fans split over Gerrard return

If Gerrard was indeed forced out, the the fact Park has now left his role could tempt him into his return once the inevitable happens in Saudi. But would the fans take him? Opinion appears split on social media.

“Without a shadow of a doubt,” wrote @RangersChat1873, when fan account asked on X if the club should take Gerrard back. “Yes, no question,” said @scott_1872_. “Gerrard got time because he gave us something to believe in, Clement hasn’t,” added @rfcossco.

But others weren’t so sure. @m_rfc_cam_19_@m argued: “He would be coming into a worse situation than he previously did. And we’ve no money to back him so probably not.” @Cf3Loyal pointed out: “He has failed in his last two jobs. We need to look forward, not back.”