Steven Gerrard is on a mission to lead the most successful club in history in terms of titles, from scraps to pillars in his first managerial intervene of his life.
On the onset of the month of June, Liverpool’s all-time greatest midfielder was given a chance to step into managerial career when he was given the chance to supervise Rangers, formerly in dire strait. The club that glimmered in the past, showcasing the beauty of the game, now dwell under the shadows of its arch rivals Celtic. The new kings of Scottish football, Celtic have been dominant forces since 2011 winning seven straight titles along with tremendous success previously. It is not that Rangers haven’t been around. They too challenged their Old firm counterparts in the period between 1988 to 1997 of the Scottish league with flurry of domestic titles and European dominance. But after 2010-11 season, Rangers have failed to put a steady mark in the league and a sense of its declination started to persist.
After several named managers failed severely to bring back the lost glory of one of the oldest club in the country, Gerrard was assigned to set up the authority once again. His impact is felt instantly and massively. Bringing in vast amount of experience in playing premier league football, the legend is keen to get the best out of him, this time tactically. Now, an extreme challenge lies ahead to propel the club back to the summit of Scottish football as well as revive its dominance on European stage.
Steven’s first plans of regeneration came into the light as he brought in some talents from England and other parts of the world, to shift the deadwood material and install new pedigree inside the squad. Names like Scott Arfield (Burnley), Jamie Murphy (Brighton) and Ovie Ejaria (Liverpool U-23) are ready to rebuild their club’s hope. Gerrad had already left a statement helping the club return to Europe, to the group stage of the Europa league after so many years, quite magnificently. Rangers have also improved domestically, gathering five points from opening four games. But the real thing is still to kick off at Ibrox.
Though Rangers impressed in their new tactical setup, they crumble on the disciplinary status and in keeping their net undisturbed. And in the derby last weekend, Celtic bettered them once again. It was 1-0 after all but that too because the green and white stripes missed a load of chances and struck the crosspiece twice. Even though, the positive end of things should be regarded at present. As words from Ex Liverpool man and Sky football Pundit Jamie Carragher suggests, Rangers are stepping towards massive development.
“We have seen enough to know how much a year working as an Academy coach has helped Gerrard, tweaking formations, not panicking when the game is changed by a sending off and looking proactive on the touchline.
“To be unbeaten after 12 games, including leading Rangers into the Europa League group stage, demonstrates his aura and leadership skills. He is already galvanising the club. He is already galvanising the club.”
So, If Gerrard puts on the pieces of the puzzle correctly with his tactical ability, sheer piece of hard work and redemption then we will be observing a Ranger side striding for an impressive campaign.
