Steven Gerrard's managerial career has not panned out as he would've liked since leaving Rangers with a lofty reputation in 2021.

The former Liverpool captain helped Rangers win its first Scottish league title in 10 years during the 2020-21 season and, months later, took on his first managerial role in the Premier League when he joined Aston Villa.

However, Gerrard lasted just 11 months at Villa Park, and his latest managerial venture did not last much longer, leaving Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge. His career is at a crossroads, and although he may well be looking forward to a period of time off, he will eventually have to decide on what he wants to do next. Here are some options...

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Continue his managerial career

Gerrard's stock is nowhere near as low as fellow Scouser Wayne Rooney's, but he could be viewed as damaged goods after two disappointing managerial stints over the last four years. After guiding Rangers to Scottish Premiership glory, Gerrard was viewed as an exciting young English manager, and it was only a matter of time before he got a Premier League job.

Three and a half years on, it is far from a guarantee that Gerrard will manage in England's top flight again - he may need to rebuild his managerial career with a Championship club.

Punditry

Gerrard has done plenty of punditry since retiring from playing, most recently appearing on BT Sport's (now TNT Sports in the UK) soccer broadcasts between his Aston Villa sacking and his Al-Ettifaq appointment.

The 44-year-old also appeared as a pundit on Channel 4 for some of England's Euro 2024 qualifiers during that same time period, so it would not be a surprise to see him eventually return on our TV screens in the coming months.

A return to Liverpool as a coach

This is perhaps the most unlikely option of the three, considering it's nearly seven years since Gerrard took the decision to become a first-team manager. The former England skipper coached Liverpool's Under-18 team in 2017 and at the beginning of 2018, and one presumes there would always be a job for Gerrard at the club if he wanted it.

Working under Arne Slot would probably help Gerrard to become a better manager in the long run, but it may be a blow to Gerrard's ego to go from being the main man at a club back to being an assistant.