How are Rangers' chances of losing Steven Gerrard to Liverpool this summer affected by Joachim Low departing Germany?

The news that Joachim Löw is to step down as Germany boss after this summer’s European Championships may come as a worry to Rangers fans.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is tipped to become Jurgen Klopp successor at Liverpool. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is tipped to become Jurgen Klopp successor at Liverpool. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is tipped to become Jurgen Klopp successor at Liverpool. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been heavily linked with the national job and is likely to feature high up on the German FA’s list of potential candidates to replace the outgoing head coach, who will depart after 15 years at the helm.

Having previously served as Jurgen Klinsmann’s assistant, Löw took over in August 2006 and led the country to World Cup success in 2014, when they memorably defeated hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals. However, his most recent World Cup bid ended in a disastrous first-round exit at Russia 2018.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament,” Löw said on the German FA website.

Germany head coach Joachim Low will step down after this summer's European Championships. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)Germany head coach Joachim Low will step down after this summer's European Championships. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Germany head coach Joachim Low will step down after this summer's European Championships. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

“Proud because it is something very special and an honour for me to be involved in my country and because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country for almost 17 years and support them in their development.

“I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments - not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment.”

Speculation surrounding Klopp taking over from Löw is likely to mount, particularly with things beginning to unravel at Liverpool, although the 53-year-old has previously insisted he will not leave Anfield before his contract is up in 2024.

Should the Germany vacancy tempt Klopp into calling time on his Merseyside journey, Gerrard’s success at Rangers would place him among the frontrunners to take over at his former club, where he is considered a legend having been the heartbeat of the side throughout a successful 15-year playing career.

Rangers fans will be comforted by the fact that Gerrard himself has intimated that he is at Ibrox for the long haul, stating “there is more to come” after guiding the Glasgow side to its first league title in 10 years, while Klopp’s most recent comments on the Germany job also pour cold water on the prospect of him leaving Liverpool this summer.

Quizzed on the possibility following Germany’s 6-0 humiliation at the hands of Spain in November last year, which saw him installed as bookies favourite to take over, Klopp said: “Maybe in the future but now, no, because now I have no time.

“I also have a job - a pretty intense job by the way.

“I am not sure if anybody has asked after me but if they don't know I have a job here at Liverpool - even though the weather is bad again!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I like it and I am responsible for a lot of things here so I will not go and search for another challenge.”

Regardless, Rangers fans are sure to be paying close interest to the next German national team appointment.

A message from the Editor:

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today