“I’m currently enjoying time with my family and doing a lot of things I haven’t been able to do before.
“However, there is a part of me that feels I still have a bit of unfinished business in that I still want to take on some exciting challenges.
“But I want some kind of challenge. In an ideal world, if they were available, I’d jump on them. If they weren’t, I wouldn’t go back.”
“I want to be on a team that competes to win championships. I think that suits me better.”
Middlesbrough’s offer for the potential manager is convincing. They sit second in the Championship and are firmly expected to return to the Premier League. Victory over Birmingham City FC put them two points clear of the play-off chasers heading into the international break.
Gerrard has not played for a club since leaving Al Etifaq in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. His previous managerial experience includes stints at Aston Villa in the Premier League, after more than three years as Rangers manager.
“I think certain jobs and certain clubs suit my style and the way I like to play,” Gerrard continued.
“But I also have time now that I’m not in a hurry and I know the right people who will make me stronger and a better coach. They are the people I need to find.
“Because I know and have proven that you can be successful as a manager if you have the right match with the people around you, and that’s what I’m working on behind the scenes right now.
“But since I’ve been in Saudi, I’ve had five or six very interesting calls. And I wasn’t ready because the team around me wasn’t ready. And the timing wasn’t right.”
“My daughter just had a baby. I just became a grandpa. I wasn’t ready. My staff wasn’t ready. Unfortunately, the opportunity and the call came at the wrong time.
“But if the right call-up comes to me, the right club, the right challenge and I have the talent to get it at some point, I will take that challenge because it’s in me.”
