Brendan Rodgers comparison made as shock Steven Gerrard return mooted at Rangers
Danny Wilson has suggested not everyone would be enamoured by a Steven Gerrard return at Rangers if Philippe Clement were to be sacked.
The Belgian head coach has come under pressure during his reign in charge of the Gers,a feeling that was exacerbated by the shock Scottish Cup defeat to Queens Park.
Despite supporters calling for the sack, the 50-year-old looks set to remain in the job for the upcoming clash against Hearts at Tynecastle this weekend.
If the Light Blues fall to another negative result on Sunday (16 February), the ex-Monaco boss could be in line to be replaced in Govan.
Steven Gerrard could replace Philippe Clement at Rangers
Clement has been largely frustrating during his spell in charge and has a long way to go to even come close to replicating Gerrard’s achievements at Ibrox.
The ex-England international oversaw the Scottish Premiership title win ahead of rivals Celtic in 2021, the first Light Blues boss to do so since Walter Smith 10 years prior.
This had cemented the 44-year-old’s reputation as a popular boss in G51 but ruined any relationship with fans when he departed mid-season for Aston Villa the very next campaign.
With the ex-Liverpool star now unemployed, the idea of the former England midfielder making a dramatic return has been a topic of discussion.
His return was mooted on the Open Goal podcast but, in quotes transcribed by the Daily Mail (13 February), ex-Gers defender Wilson questioned whether it would be a popular move, comparing it to Celtic’s decision to bring Brendan Rodgers back to Parkhead after his departure for Leicester City.
Wilson said: “I think maybe there’s a group [of fans] that would want him back, but I think there is a group as well that, because of the circumstances in which he left, they wouldn’t want him back.
“Brendan Rodgers has obviously gone back and won a lot of them over. But there’s always that minority who will hold it against him (leaving for Leicester), and I think Gerrard would be in the same boat if he was to go back.
“If he’s coming in from being on a good run, there is maybe that more acceptance. But he’s not gone away and done great, so people will probably be thinking; ‘Let’s go and do something completely different’.”
Steven Gerrard could replicate Brendan Rodgers in Rangers return
It is safe to say that the Northern Irishman was not a popular figure when he traded the Hoops for Leicester City in 2019.
With that being said, the 52-year-old had departed to join a Premier League champion and went on to win an FA Cup while in charge.
Gerrard’s reign at Aston Villa doesn’t even compare to this after he was sacked within 11 months and got on the wrong side of the Villa Park faithful.
There was plenty of expectation surrounding the Villans when he came in but even with the likes of Philippe Coutinho coming in, he failed to impress.
As a result, it could prove to be different for him to return to Ibrox when compared with Rodgers.
Even if that could be the case, there will certainly be certain sections of the fanbase in Govan who would welcome the Englishman back with open arms if it means that Clement goes.