Richard Keys has Steven Gerrard theory amid Arne Slot's fight for Liverpool job - 'No way'
Steven Gerrard was in talks with Rangers over a return to manage at Ibrox earlier this season, and he is now being mentioned as a potential successor to Arne Slot at Liverpool
A theory has emerged as to why Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard may have turned down the Rangers job. The former Reds icon has been out of managerial work since leaving Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq back in January.
Arne Slot is the current head coach at Liverpool, but has seen his position at Anfield come under pressure in recent days. The Reds have lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions and are currently in 12th place in the Premier League table.
Liverpool have also lost their last three matches by a three-goal margin, conceding 10 goals across that run. As a result, speculation has been swirling about the Anfield hierarchy considering making a change, although it is understood that Slot's job is still safe for the time being.
Gerrard has previously been tentatively linked with being Liverpool manager in the past, and the rumours have been ramping up amid the club's poor run of results.
It was earlier in the season that the 45-year-old was reportedly close to returning to Rangers, but a move to the Scottish Premiership giants never materialised as he ultimately pulled out of the running despite holding talks.
READ MORE: Arsenal left facing brutal Liverpool reality as Arne Slot's side fall apart – 'Shocking'READ MORE: Steven Gerrard has already made feelings clear on Liverpool No.1 choice to replace Arne SlotRangers went on to name Danny Rohl as their new manager to replace Russell Martin, with Gerrard now working as a pundit.
TV broadcaster Richard Keys has theorised that Gerrard may not have got the job at Rangers because of the possibility of replacing Slot at Liverpool on the horizon.
"There is no way Steven Gerrard didn’t know about the probability of this upcoming opportunity when he turned Rangers down," Keys wrote on X on Thursday evening.
Despite Gerrard being linked with replacing Slot as Liverpool manager, it is rather unlikely that the former midfielder will take the job at Anfield anytime soon.
One reason would be due to tax, with Gerrard likely needing to pay a bill worth £10million if he were to take a managerial job in the UK before April. Gerrard needs to remain outside the country for a full tax year to make sure that his earnings are tax-free.
Gerrard is currently allowed to return to the UK for 91 days during the current tax year. As a result, if the Liverpool legend was to take on a managerial role in the UK before April, he would need to be in the country for longer than that and would breach the threshold.
After watching Liverpool lose 4-1 to PSV in the Champions League in midweek, Gerrard offered his support to Slot amid the ongoing speculation.
“Each defeat, especially the manner of defeat, you become closer to the crisis,” said Gerrard on TNT Sports. “I don’t like using the word crisis because a crisis to me is a club that needs years to get back to the top.
“I don’t think Liverpool are at that point at all. They’ve still got magnificent players. This is still the majority of a squad that won the league a few months ago.
"So I think ‘crisis’ is too strong. But you can’t deny that this team is struggling massively.”
Slot needs to get the team back on track immediately, and West Ham on Sunday at the London Stadium is their next chance to get back to winning ways.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Source: Read Original Article
