Liverpool Legend Amongst Favourites for Southampton Job | OneFootball

Gerrard Considered for Southampton Role as Managerial Search Begins

As Southampton prepare for life back in the Championship, the club is beginning the search for a new permanent manager following Ivan Juric’s departure. Among the early contenders is a familiar name in English football circles: Steven Gerrard.

According to Birmingham World, Gerrard is reportedly “high up the list” of candidates for the vacancy. While the former Liverpool and England captain has recently distanced himself from a swift return to coaching, the interest from the south coast appears genuine.

Gerrard’s last managerial post was with Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, a spell that ended in January 2025 after a challenging 18-month tenure. At the time of his departure, Al Ettifaq were 12th in an 18-team league, just five points clear of relegation. The conclusion of his time in Saudi Arabia was a mutual decision, reflecting the inconsistent results and perhaps a shared sense of exhaustion.

Photo: IMAGO

Taking a Breather – But for How Long?

Gerrard himself admitted a desire to step away from football’s daily grind. “I will go in at some point but when it’s round the clocks, I’ve been doing it 18, 19 months, I want to be free, I want to play a round of golf, go down the boozer and have a couple of beers, do normal things that you can’t do when you’re coaching,” he told reporters.

“I’m happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff, just being free away from stress.”

However, as the Southampton vacancy opens up, Gerrard may be tempted to reconsider his short-term sabbatical. His reputation, particularly from his time at Rangers where he led the Scottish giants to an unbeaten title-winning season, still holds currency. Whether it’s enough to sway Southampton’s hierarchy remains to be seen.

Southampton’s Search and the Lallana Factor

Gerrard isn’t the only name in contention. Steve Cooper, recently dismissed by Leicester City, is viewed by many as the leading candidate. Sean Dyche also features prominently, bringing with him the experience and defensive solidity he demonstrated at Burnley and Everton.

Still, Gerrard’s candidacy is an intriguing one — and there’s already a link to Anfield within the current Saints setup. Adam Lallana, the former Liverpool midfielder, has been appointed assistant to interim boss Simon Rusk. Lallana, who made over 230 appearances for Southampton before moving to Merseyside and later Brighton, represents a natural connection between Gerrard and the south coast club.

Photo IMAGO

His presence could be instrumental should Southampton pursue Gerrard further. Familiarity, respect and a shared understanding of club culture could aid a transition should the job be offered.

What Gerrard Brings to the Table

At 44, Gerrard is still early in his managerial career. After success at Rangers and mixed fortunes at Aston Villa and Al Ettifaq, he remains a coach of potential more than proof. But his charisma, tactical ambition, and winning mentality still resonate.

If Southampton are looking to blend Championship pragmatism with long-term identity, Gerrard — despite his hiatus — could offer an ideal middle ground. He knows the pressure of expectation, but also the patience required to build something sustainable.

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Seeing Gerrard linked with a return to English football always brings a mixture of pride and hesitation. Pride, because he remains one of the club’s greatest figures — someone who carries Liverpool’s values with him wherever he goes. Hesitation, because the managerial journey hasn’t been a smooth one since his success at Rangers.

The Al Ettifaq spell was a risk, and perhaps not the wisest move in hindsight. But Gerrard’s self-awareness in stepping away, reflecting, and admitting he needs time out is a strength, not a weakness. It shows maturity and a willingness to learn.

Southampton could be a clever fit. A Championship side with ambition, history, and a good mix of youth and experience — exactly the kind of environment where a coach can implement long-term ideas. The presence of Adam Lallana only strengthens the case.

If Gerrard does take the role, it won’t just be about rebuilding Southampton — it’ll be about rebuilding himself too. Liverpool fans will watch closely, hopeful that their former captain finds his rhythm again, not for sentimental reasons, but because his journey as a manager still deserves to be written.