Gerrard would love to deliver more silverware but his final media address last time out hinted it's a European run he really craves
Steven Gerrard double-underlined the importance of a prolonged European run in his final media address before he joined Aston Villa.
And, four years on, not all that much has changed.
Gerrard remains the top target for Rangers decision-makers as they thrash things out in London this weekend in their bid to land a rapid-fire Russell Martin replacement.
The first round of talks are said to have gone well but there is work to be done before Gerrard, the last Ibrox boss to win a league title, is convinced to come back for a second crack at the whip.
In many ways, it's a completely different landscape he's walking into. It's far less settled on the pitch, for one: he left a side who had just won a league title and is walking back into one with just one player, in James Tavernier, who got his hands on the trophy that day.
For another, the financial struggles he often bemoaned at Rangers have been aided significantly by an injection of cash by the new owners backed by the San Francisco 49ers.
But one thing that hasn't changed is the burning desire for a long run in Europe - and not just for the positive impact it would have on the balance sheet.
One of the few bits of glory Rangers have enjoyed since Gerrard's departure was their run to the Europa League Final under Gio van Bronckhorst and that's something he'd love to enjoy a slice of himself.
Speaking after a 1-1 draw with Brondby, which proved to be his final European match as Rangers boss, Gerrard underlined the importance of European football after Christmas.
"In my position, I am always aware of the financial implications (of a European run)," he said. "I don't think anyone else really has to concern themselves with that.
"In terms of the players, my staff and myself, we need to prepare to try and win the game. It's about the points.
"There are people at the club who will deal with the financial side of it.
"Everyone is aware that European football not only brings a satisfaction in terms of your own personal journey and from a fans' point of view, but it's very important for the club's resources as well.
"We need to keep playing as well as we can. The aim is to have European football here after Christmas. We need to all keep pulling in the right direction to provide that.
"But in terms of the financials and the numbers, no-one really needs to concern themselves with it except the people at Rangers and myself. But that will always remain private."
Rangers currently sit 32nd of 36 teams in the revamped Europa League format so - if, indeed, he is the man named as their next manager in the days or weeks ahead - there is work to be done if he wants to realise that ambition.
Only three points separate them from the top 24 and the playoff spot that would come with it and their next Euro clash comes away to Brann on Thursday October 23 - less than two weeks from now.