Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard is set to rejoin the TNT Sports team for the Reds’ Premier League clash against Aston Villa, a match that pits two of his former clubs against each other. Gerrard carved out a legendary career at Anfield before moving to LA Galaxy in 2015, only to return as the under-18s manager in Kirkby.
However, he left his role with Liverpool’s youth team to take the reins at Rangers, where he led the team to Scottish Premiership glory, before making his move to the English top-flight with Aston Villa. After an 11-month stint at Villa Park, Gerrard was let go. He then took up the managerial position at Al-Ettifaq, but departed in January.
This Saturday, Gerrard will be back at Anfield, analysing the performance of his former clubs.
Liverpool are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing streak of four consecutive league losses, while they face Unai Emery’s side, who replaced Gerrard and are currently enjoying a six-match unbeaten run.
Joining Gerrard for the Anfield showdown will be ex-Liverpool teammates Steve McManaman and Joe Cole.
The 45-year-old has recently been in the spotlight following an interview with former England colleague and Manchester United adversary Rio Ferdinand.
Gerrard opened up about the possibility of a return to football management, amidst growing rumours of a comeback to Ibrox following Russell Martin’s abrupt exit.
However, after discussions with the Gers’ top brass, the ex-England skipper declined a managerial comeback.
In his chat with Ferdinand, he confessed: “I felt like I had that to a tee at Rangers [with Gary McAllister and Michael Beale]. A lot of coach changes at Aston Villa and over in Saudi, I don’t think helped me from a personal point of view.
“I’d love another go at some point. I want to change a few things and improve a few things and come back fresh, with a few different people around myself.
“I’d love another couple of challenges doing this and that’s what I’m working on in the background at the moment.
“A few different ideas, a few different people around me.
“Now I’m enjoying family time and doing a lot of things that I haven’t been able to do. But there’s a part of me that still feels that there’s a bit of unfinished business in terms of wanting to go in and face another couple of exciting challenges.”