Djibril Cisse has publicly urged Steven Gerrard to return to football management, pointing to the former Rangers boss's successful spell in Scotland as evidence he still has much to offer. Gerrard, who managed Rangers from 2018 to 2021, led the club to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, ending Celtic's run of nine consecutive championships.
Cisse, a former Liverpool and France striker with 41 international caps, believes his old teammate is being wasted away from the touchline. "He needs to be on the pitch, in contact with players," Cisse said. He argued that Gerrard possesses a coach's mind and football knowledge that is vital for developing young talent.
Cisse's perspective on Gerrard's future
Gerrard's managerial career after Rangers included a stint at Aston Villa and a spell with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. He has been without a club since and has been linked with a return to English football. Cisse hopes Gerrard finds a suitable project soon to rebuild his reputation. The Frenchman also mentioned that Gerrard could eventually return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity, having expected him to be considered for the role after Arne Slot's departure.
"I’d love that, for two reasons," Cisse said. "He’s a friend, someone I like and respect a lot, and he loves football." Cisse himself revealed he had the chance to join either Celtic or Rangers during his playing career, though he cannot recall the specific details of those talks.
Gerrard's reputation and opportunities
The discussion around Gerrard's future comes as his former club enjoys a strong start to the season. Rangers currently sit second in the Premiership with 23 points from 10 games, just four points behind leaders Celtic. Their recent form is impressive, unbeaten in five with four wins and a draw, a run that includes a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone last week. They face a key test next, travelling to face third-placed Heart of Midlothian on Wednesday.
Gerrard's next appointment is seen as a critical opportunity. His experience handling the intense pressure of the Glasgow derby and delivering a historic title is viewed as a unique asset that could translate to success elsewhere. For now, the focus at Ibrox remains on the pitch, with the team looking to maintain their momentum in a tight title race. Gerrard's next move remains the subject of speculation, with his proven track record at Rangers ensuring he will be a name in the frame for vacancies.
Background and full detail: GlasgowWorld
