Steven Gerrard admits he's had job offers both at club and international level since his Aston Villa sacking - but NONE have been the right opportunity.
The former Rangers gaffer has been out of work since his axing after he left the Ibrox side for a shot at the English Premier League. His successor Unai Emery has since lead the Villa Park side to sixth in the table as they fight it out to be playing European football next season.
During his time in Glasgow, the Liverpool legend successfully stopped Celtic's ten in a row bid to land title No 55 for Rangers. He knew after speaking to the Ibrox side over the job that it was the 'right club culture' and knew there was huge potential for success if he could forge good relationships with the players, fans and his coaching staff. Things haven't quite worked out since that Ibrox departure with the former England star taking on some media duties while he also recently turned out for a Liverpool Legends side vs Celtic.
READ MORE: Rangers' Ross Wilson wanted by Nottingham Forest with EPL side 'working on deal' for Ibrox man
But not being in management at present is NOT down to a lack of offers with one particular opportunity he described as 'exciting' in an overseas league popping up, but it just wasn't the one for the Englishman. His decision to depart Rangers in the middle of the season was also a tough one and he completely understood the frustrations of the club and fans at that time.
He told The Manager Magazine: "As soon as I came off the call with Rangers I knew it was the right club culture for me. I immediately felt wanted and I saw the potential for me to have a genuine connection with the supporters. I’ve always been game for those types of risks and I knew that if I could forge good relationships with the supporters, the players and my coaching team then we had huge potential to be successful.
"You don’t accomplish anything by yourself, so humility and working with everyone in the club, both on and off the pitch, is incredibly important. I knew that the chairman, Dave King, had my back, that we would work well together and that he would be there to guide me as a young manager should I need it.
"He fully understood the situation the club was in, but we put in place a plan together, we met regularly and knew there needed to be clarity and alignment from top to bottom, with everybody pulling in the same direction.
"When you achieve anything, though, it’s a process, a journey, and no matter what anyone says, it’s never about just one individual. I, and everyone in my coaching staff, played our part in achieving Rangers’ 55th title.
“Understandably, people often fear change, so it’s really important to be able to communicate your ideas clearly. During any period of change within football there are difficult conversations to be had, for example, when you have to tell players they aren’t part of the squad moving forward.
"I then had the challenge of going out and convincing players we targeted that Rangers was the football club for them, and that they could improve the team and keep taking the club forward. There were times when I had to take criticism, pressure and responsibility on my own shoulders to protect my staff and my players.”
On the decision to leave Rangers midway through the season, he added: "In a perfect world I would not have left that way and I completely understand the frustration that the club and supporters felt when I left Rangers.
"When the opportunity arose, as well as being able to manage a club of Villa's stature in the Premier League, the chance to be nearer to my family was very important in my decision making. There were also members of my coaching staff who were eager to test themselves in the Premier League.
On fresh job opportunities, he revealed: "You have to reset, wait and be patient for the fire and fight to return. I’ve been offered opportunities to manage at club and international level since I left Villa, including an exciting opportunity in an overseas league, but none have been right for me at this time."
READ NEXT:
- Amad Diallo continues post-Rangers success as Manchester United kid earns Player of the Year shout
- Police Scotland confirm investigation over referee Kevin Clancy 'abuse' after Celtic vs Rangers
- Kevin Clancy avoids Celtic or Rangers clash as referee handed VAR role amid 'abuse' probe
