Cedric: We all want to hold on to Stevie glee
CEDRIC ITTEN has begged Steven Gerrard to stay put for Champions League football returning to Ibrox.
Jurgen Klopp yesterday ruled himself out of leaving Liverpool for the Germany job after Gerrard had been tipped by the bookies for a return to Merseyside.
And striker Itten, in his debut season at Rangers, wants Gerrard to stick around for a long time.
He said: “The media have speculated about him but we don’t within our team.
“His record is very impressive. He’s on course for breaking records and anyone who does that as a manager becomes interesting.
“I would like him to stay. He showed great emotions and celebrated with us when we won the league.
“What we have achieved together means a lot to him. He embodies Rangers, is an important part of the success and, of course, has been through the whole process. He has invested a lot in the last three years.”
The Swiss, speaking in interviews in his homeland, has made just eight starts in his 31 appearances.
But he said: “My contract at Rangers is for four years.
“When I joined at the beginning of August they had already played the first league game and had been preparing for seven weeks.
“I ended up getting my chance in almost every game and, because we always won, there was little reason to change the lineup. I have improved a lot and just need to be patient.
“We have a lot of international players here but the team may evolve and I’ll get more appearances.
“It is something great to be part of this story, to be able to wear the shirt of such a successful club.
“Our journey continues and next season it will be in the Champions League.”
WHEN Dave Cormack assumed the Pittodrie throne in late 2019 there was revolution in the air.
There was a plan for a director of football and the story goes a former Premier League boss had been identified for the role.
Derek McInnes’ future looked uncertain too amid moves to make Aberdeen a more progressive club.
Then disaster struck the world and Cormack had to hit the pause button. On Monday night though,
McInnes’ eight years as Aberdeen manager was finally brought to an end.
In a statement, Cormack thanked McInnes, with whom he never had the close relationship of his predecessor Stewart Milne – but also revealed the hunt for the next manager is already under way.
Record Sport runs the rule over seven prospective candidates that will likely work alongside a sporting director.