YOU CAN’T MAKE GERS ANY WORSE
Hartson reckons Pep couldn’t bring instant success let alone Gerrard
“Instant success? Well, he can’t do that. Pep Guardiola couldn’t do that. How could you work with that group of players?
“They got their best player, Declan John, on loan from the Championship then bought him from Cardiff. That’s what they’re dealing with.
“Steven has got a decision to make. Does he want to keep working at Liverpool academy hoping that he gets a shot at the first team when Jurgen Klopp eventually leaves or take the Rangers job?
“I don’t think he would have a lot to lose. At the minute, Rangers can’t string two passes together. They’re woeful. He can’t make them any worse.”
Hartson doesn’t believe the Parkhead drubbing will sway Gerrard’s decision over whether to take the Rangers job or not.
Despite a lack of managerial experience, the ex-Anfield skipper will appreciate the scale of the task and that the only way is up for the struggling Light Blues.
Hartson said: “Steven is not stupid. He’s a young, intelligent, up-and-coming, inspiring coach.
“He will do his homework and speak to people. I don’t think he had to watch Sunday’s game to make his mind up.
“He would know what is needed before Sunday. He would have watched the semi-final and how many games Rangers have lost at home.
“He will take a bit of time as you’d expect but I really don’t think it’s too much of gamble for him. If he fails, the last three or four have failed anyway.
“They can only go up. Only one way. For the money they have spent, they should be above Aberdeen and Hibs.
“Take nothing away from Neil Lennon or Derek McInnes but for the money Rangers have spent and the size of the club, they should be second at least.
“Steven would bring a wealth of knowledge. He has been working with the academy but he will also have knowledge of so many different systems he has played in.
“Think of the managers he has worked under. Klopp, Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish. He was a top player who ran the game from the middle of the park. He would be inspiring and it would be a coup.
“A lot of people are saying he shouldn’t take the job because the club’s in turmoil, there is no money or players. Basically, that he’s on a hiding to nothing.
“I don’t think that is the case. If he wants it, it is a good job right now because they can only go up.”
But Hartson advised Gerrard to make demands of Dave King and his board before committing to the role.
He said: “The two big things he needs to ask Rangers is, firstly, I want some money to spend to bring in some players to help the team. They need a lift in the dressing room.
“Secondly, who he gets rid of. There are plenty players there that Pedro Caixinha brought in. They haven’t been good enough. They’ve let the club, the supporters and themselves down.
“If they can sell Steven the club and give him some assurances, I don’t think he can do any worse than they are doing just now.”
JOHN HARTSON