GERRARD RELISHES PITTODRIE PRESSURE

Ibrox expects, but Stevie has faith Gers can deliver

STEVEN GERRARD has backed his new-look Rangers side to handle the pressure and expectation from a demanding support as he embarks on his first campaign as a manager.

The Liverpool legend takes his side to Pittodrie tomorrow as Rangers look to get off and running in the Premiership with victory over Aberdeen.

Gerrard has transformed the Ibrox squad over the summer as 10 players have arrived following his appointment as boss on a four-year deal in May.

There is a renewed sense of excitement amongst fans ahead of an eagerly anticipated term and

the 38-year-old wants his side to embrace the challenge in the coming months. Gerrard said: “I feel as though I have players that want to go out there and give everything. Players that understand what it takes at a big club.

“But I can’t control the expectations. Fans are fans and they’re going to get excited.

“I can’t come in and control every single aspect. I think it’s my responsibility to take some of the heat and the pressure off the players and I will do that.

“Bringing in the players I did, making the changes I did, I sat down with them, man-to-man. I explained the demands and I explained the passion from the terraces.

“On the flip side, that’s what those players wanted. They wanted to come here and play in front of 50,000 with the demands it brings.

“They wanted to play in European nights and go away to Aberdeen.

“They want the rivalry. You can’t buy into that and accept it and then suddenly shy away from it.

“You have to put your shoulders back and accept we are all under pressure. We will have turbulent times and it’s about sticking together when they come.”

Rangers have made a solid start to the season after seeing off Shkupi and Osijek to progress through to the Europa League third qualifying round.

There will be sterner tests to come, both domestically and on the continent, but Gerrard is confident the Gers are better placed to overcome their obstacles.

He said: “What we try to do as staff is set high standards in every single department and make it clear to the players that we won’t settle for anyone falling below.

“If you bring good people into the group, it is a lot easier to create an environment, a culture.

“I’ve got characters in there to help you with that stuff. When it does get tough on the pitch, you have that trust in them that they will stand up for you.”