THE RIISE AND RISE OF STEVEN GERRARD
John knew old pal would be captain and boss from first drilled pass at Melwood
JOHN ARNE RIISE felt the full force of a smashed Steven Gerrard pass in a powerful introduction to the pace of the English game.
And the former Liverpool hero is convinced his ex-Reds captain has what it takes to succeed in the fast lane of Old Firm management despite a trophyless 18-months start at Rangers.
Riise reckons his old pal is relishing the challenge of breaking Celtic’s stranglehold on the Scottish game but insists the Ibrox board must back him in his ambition.
Gerrard has led Gers to a last-32 Europa League showdown with Portuguese side Braga and to within two points of leaders and eight-in-a-row champions Celtic – but they suffered Betfred Cup Final heartache at the hands of their bitter rivals this month.
Riise first spotted a determination in Gerrard as a 21-year-old when the former Norwegian defender moved to Merseyside from Monaco before sharing a dressing room for seven years that included the famous 2005 Champions League triumph.
He was as convinced then that Gerrard would eventually go into management as he was Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher would carve out a postplaying career in the media.
The 39-year-old revealed how their relationship started on a painful note but it was Gerrard’s determination and his leadership qualities that make Riise adamant his mate will end the near-decade wait for major silverware at Ibrox.
He said: “There’s a saying in England, ‘Pace in the pass’. Coming from Norway and having played in France before joining Liverpool I wasn’t used to that. We gave nice passes but in England it’s a bit different. I remember my first training session and from five yards Stevie smashed a ball at me!
“It was a pass but it had such pace on it and he just said, ‘Pace on the pass, kid’. That summed him up. He was always just so professional and had such high standards.
“I wasn’t used to that kind of pass but it was a great introduction and helped me settle in – the same as when they christened me ‘Ginge’ off the park!
“Stevie used to say to me, ‘Alright, kid’ and I said the same thing to him. That’s how we spoke to each other. I could see how good he was and you know instantly when you join a club who is going to be a star and he was one of the first I saw. “From day one when I signed I knew what he expected and he was young in 2001 but I could see how fired up he was in training – always 100 per cent focused.
“He was a leader and it was no surprise when he got the captaincy. He wasn’t the biggest talker during games but he let you know if you weren’t giving 100 per cent and I have the feeling he’s the same as a manager. “I knew from the start he’d go
BY GAVIN BERRY on to be a manager and it was the same with Jamie Carragher as a pundit!
“Stevie was one of the players who knew when to say something and what to say. The way he speaks makes you want to fight for him. He was my captain and I wanted to fight for him because he was such a good motivator so it was easy to play under him.
“I accept some people will point to the fact Stevie hasn’t won a trophy yet but you have to look at the whole picture because Celtic have been the dominant team in Scotland for many years now.
“But he likes that challenge and that’s why he went to Rangers. He wants to change that and I know how hard he works and has great people around him.
“And remember that he is only one part of it – the club must do whatever it can to help him achieve his aim. It’s a mixture of things but when he went to Rangers I’m sure he knew the backing he would get.
“It’s real pressure. This is part of the job. Stevie knows he has to deliver. That’s part of being a manager. I’ve been watching Scottish football more closely since Stevie went there and I can see the change in him from the first season to the second.
“You can see the players he’s bringing in. He likes young players and wants them to learn but it’s all about winning stuff and he’s at a club that wants to win trophies.
“I called Stevie to congratulate him when he joined Rangers and I’ve spoken to him a few times since then. He’s done extremely well – he’s a winner.
“Being a great player like he was doesn’t mean you are necessarily going to be a great manager but he’s learning and has great people around him.
“He’s a great name and Rangers is a great club for him to go to. I know the pressure he’s under because of who he is and when you go to Scotland it’s Celtic and Rangers fighting for the title every year.
“He’s done exceptionally well and I hope he wins the title this year. It’s always going to be hard but I know what he wants from his players and what he expects when it comes to professionalism in training and in matches. “They look strong at the moment but the key games are against Celtic.” Riise spoke to Record Sport after putting on a coaching session for kids in Doha as part of Qatar’s Generation Amazing initiative that was set up in 2010 and has taken to neighbouring nations such as Nepal and Jordan. The former full-back is also working as a pundit for beIN Sports, covering the FIFA Club World Cup with Liverpool in semi-final action against Mexican champions Monterrey tonight. All eyes are on the tournament which is a test for the Gulf nation ahead of the 2022 World Cup. He said: “Hopefully Liverpool win it. It’s a great experience for the fans and it’ll be the same at the World Cup”.
JOHN ARNE RIISE and Steven Gerrard famously lifted the Champions League in 2005 after an epic comeback win over AC Milan – despite the Norwegian missing from the spot. But that incredible victory was one of seven trophies the pair won together over seven years at Anfield. FA Cup: 2005–06. Football League Cup: 2002–03. FA Community Shield: 2001, 2006. UEFA Champions League: 2004–05. UEFA Super Cup: 2001, 2005.