In Focus: Gerrard's reputation needs revival as Saudi move edges closer

Eight months on from his sacking as Aston Villa boss, Steven Gerrard appears to be ready to return to management.

The Liverpool legend had been strongly linked with the vacant post at relegated Leeds but is reported to also be weighing up an offer from Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.

We look at what is next for the 43-year-old and his managerial prospects.

Reputation hit

Much was expected of Gerrard when he arrived in the Premier League in November 2021 after a successful spell at Rangers in his first managerial role.

The England centurion led the Gers to their first Scottish Premiership title for nine years in a record-breaking unbeaten 2020-21 season.

But despite an encouraging start at Villa Park, things quickly turned sour and Gerrard was sacked only 11 months later with the Midlands outfit teetering just above the relegation zone.

It has left the Premier League icon needing to rebuild his reputation as a first-team coach, with another shot at top-flight management appearing unlikely at this stage.

Leeds links

Gerrard is reportedly on the shortlist to take over at Leeds following their relegation back to the Championship, alongside Daniel Farke and Scott Parker.

While a drop down to the second tier may appear a logical move to take, a daunting task awaits whoever does become the Whites' next boss following a turbulent campaign in 2022-23.

Gerrard seemingly struggled to deal with the weight of expectation placed on him at Villa and would be in a similar situation at the Elland Road — only without the financial aid he was afforded in the West Midlands.

A good fit

Former England team-mate Paul Robinson believes Gerrard would be the right man to galvanise Elland Road once again.

The ex-Whites goalkeeper told MOT Leeds News: "I’d like Gerrard to take the job, having played with him and knowing him as a person. 

"I've seen what he's done at Rangers. But knowing the attention to detail and meticulous angles that he takes, he's a football man and he would get the club.

"The stadium will be full capacity every single game. Some may not get quite as long as others but the manager will get support. I think that Gerrard would be a fantastic fit."

Liverpool reunion

Gerrard was no stranger to using his Liverpool links to his advantage during his time at Villa and reports suggest he will take a similar approach if a move to the Middle East comes to fruition.

Philippe Coutinho, who he signed at Villa in January 2021, and former Reds forward Sadio Mane are believed to be his two top targets for the Pro League outfit.

With Coutinho's Premier League return not going to plan, it would be no surprise to see the 31-year-old tempted by the riches of Saudi Arabia.

Mane, also 31, would certainly be a more eye-catching coup despite his underwhelming 12 months at Bayern Munich since his departure from Anfield.

His only chance

Given superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema could not resist a lucrative move to the Middle East, Gerrard could not be blamed for making a similar switch.

And with promotion specialist Farke edging forward as the favourite for the vacancy at Elland Road, chancing his hand abroad might be his only real option.

It is anyone's guess whether a successful spell in the Middle East would enhance or hinder Gerrard's hopes of another managerial role back home in the future.