Friday 27 April 2018 20:53, UK
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Steven Gerrard can cope with the expectancy of being Rangers boss, but admits being surprised the former Liverpool captain is in contention for the role.
Sky Sports News understands Gerrard is a contender to become the next manager of Rangers. Since retiring in November 2016, Gerrard has been working at Liverpool's academy and managing their U19 team.
Initial talks have been held between Gerrard and the Ibrox hierarchy over the 37-yer-old potentially replacing Graeme Murty.
Rodgers, who managed Gerrard between 2012-2015, says the former Liverpool captain has always wanted to transition into management since his retirement but admits being surprised seeing him linked with the Rangers job.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby, live on Sky Sports Football, Rodgers said: "I've seen the speculation over the last couple of days and I was a little bit surprised when I saw it. I think the most important thing when you are starting is out it's about if the time is right and when you feel ready.
"Especially when it's your first job, it's not necessarily a club, it's about the right club. If the speculation is right and Stevie has spoken to them then there may be something in that, if he feels it is the right club.
"He has always wanted to be a manager, I know from our time working together closely at Liverpool. It's always something he wanted to do. If it happens for him then he obviously feels it's the right club to start at."
The former Swansea and Reading manager also feels Gerrard's experience at the highest level as a player will stand him in good stead if his first management role were to be at a club as big as Rangers.
He added: "There's many [challenges]. First and foremost it's the football challenge. Of course he has lived with expectation all of his life having played for Liverpool and captained England as well.
"When you go into any job, particularly at one of the big clubs, there is always that expectancy. But like I say, it's all speculation and I don't want to spend the whole time here talking about that.
"With all due respect they already have a manager in place working at Rangers at this moment, who has done a good job in his time there."
