Steven Gerrard: Rangers players goaded me into the slide…but I love them to bits
Steven Gerrard has credited the maintenance of close bonds with his players to the success that Rangers have enjoyed this season but detailed his stern side.
The Light Blues have had the season of a lifetime and they are still gunning for glory in the Europa League after wrapping up title No 55 last weekend.
There were numerous moments that touched the hearts of Gers fans after victory over St Mirren on Saturday but the one abiding memory will also be that Stevie G slide in the dressing room at Ibrox.
Speaking on BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra [18:30, 12/03/21] and posted by the official BT Sport Football Twitter account, Gerrard recounted the wild celebrations in the dressing room after dispatching the Saints 3-0 to all-but secure the title ahead of Celtic’s game on the Sunday.
“I must say I was goaded into that last little slide but listen, I want to be relevant, I want to connect with my players, I’ve pushed these players I’ve been strong with them,” he said.
“I’ve said things that have really told them some home truths over the years but at the end of the day I love them to bits because they’ll go where I want them to go for the sake of the club and that’s very important for a manager.”
Positivity proves pivotal
That slide is sure to be framed at Ibrox for years to come and it really highlights the affection felt between players and manager which extends to the fans.
It is something we have not felt for years with Pedro Caixinha’s troubled spell in charge the absolute pits and things looked so dark and gloomy then – how things have changed.
Now we have a manager with a positive mindset who maintains close links with his charges and that is crucial to fostering a harmonious mood at the club.
But Gerrard is not afraid to be brutal and decisive when necessary as he alluded to with the ‘home truths’ he dished out to his players.
They know not to get on the wrong side of him or they are out the door.
These lofty standards set leave them in no uncertain terms as to where they stand and what will happen if they fall sort of them.
Unity breeds success and we have found the perfect formula, but Gerrard is the master key to every lock.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd says it will cost more than £50million to replace key Gers ace.