Gers boss ready to run side ragged in Spain as he admits fitness levels are his No.1 concern
If you can’t carry the burden of playing for Rangers you’ll be found out STEVEN GERRARD
the opposition physically. I watched Rangers with my own eyes close up in that Old Firm game and it was glaringly obvious to me Celtic were fitter and stronger on that occasion.
“You look at the group and areas where you can improve it and fitness is one of those areas. You don’t look at one run or one individual but the group as a whole.
“I could also see signs of it in the last four or five games when I watched them as well.”
Gerrard will use the blistering heat of southern Spain to push his players to the limit in the plush surroundings that will be home to his squad until June 27.
But as well as the physical side he has told his players they must prove they have the mentality to handle life at Rangers with many accused of being too weak last season.
And he warned those who aren’t up to the job will quickly be found out with the fans and media judging them as well as Gerrard and his coaching staff.
The former England captain has promised a fresh start for everyone but said: “If you can’t carry the burden of playing for Rangers then you’ll be found out pretty quickly.
“You’ll be found out and not just by the fans but everyone looking in. You have to take responsibility and the weight the badge brings.
“Nobody can escape that. This is Rangers. We all have to carry the burden of working for Rangers. I do, my staff do and the players have been told that’s the reality of it. What’s important for me is that there’s a blank piece of paper right now. I’ve looked in from afar in the last six games and before the Rangers situation came about.
“But I’ll judge everyone with a blank piece of paper. There’s places there up for grabs and I’ll know pretty soon who wants them.
“You have to earn them. It won’t just be given to them any more. Reputations and names, it’s not about that. It’s about the best players who are going to get results for this football club.”
Gerrard will use the trip to Spain to familiarise himself with his squad and for the players to get to know him and his coaching staff, assistant Gary McAllister and the rest of his backroom team Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw and Jordan Milsom.
The Gers boss is happy with the plush surrounding and said: “I haven’t been to the resort before but I’ve sent someone over to do a reccy.
“I’ve seen the photos of the facilities and it looks a good environment to go and train and work hard.
“The most important thing is for the players to get used to me and my staff.
“And for the staff to get used to the players and start building relationships. We said to the players it is important we become one, we become a group and there is no cliques.
“We are all after the same thing and that is success. The best way for us to achieve that is to fight for each other and pull in the right direction.
“Togetherness and team spirit, all these buzzwords you hear most pre-seasons are what we are looking for.”