Bring it on... I’m ready for a challenge
Gerrard is ready for challenge at Rangers
STEVEN GERRARD insists he will thrive on the pressure and expectation which comes with managing rangers.
And, in a defiant message to critics of his appointment, the Liverpool and England legend boldly declared: ‘Bring it on.’
Granted a hero’s welcome by 7,000 fans at his Ibrox unveiling, the man who was Under-18s coach at anfield brushed aside concerns over a lack of managerial experience at first-team level. as Sportsmail first revealed, the 37-year-old will bring former Scotland captain Gary Mcallister as his No 2, with midfielder Scott arfield (from Burnley) and Scotland goalkeeper allan McGregor (from Hull City) his first signings.
Speaking as he penned a four-year contract, the new rangers boss cut a relaxed, confident figure, saying: ‘Pressure is not a bad thing for me. I played under pressure, I have lived under pressure since I left school. In
football, if you are working under pressure you are in a good place. ‘Since I stopped playing football, I have missed that pressure of fighting for three points at the weekend. ‘Being Rangers manager, I know there will be a lot of scrutiny and pressure — but that’s what I love about being involved in football. ‘Bring it on. I don’t mind being under intense pressure. I knew that before I decided to be Rangers manager and I’m up for the challenge. I will do my very best.’ Thrilled by the reception he received yesterday from a euphoric support starved of star quality in recent years, Gerrard identified the Rangers fan base as a key factor in his decision to take the job. He expressed confidence in his ability to cope with the demands of catching a Treble-winning Celtic side led by his former boss at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers. ‘I have confidence in myself, in my ability. I have weighed up the gamble and the risk that I understand other people are thinking it is because it is my first job in management, but I am confident that I can deliver for these supporters. ‘That’s the only thing that matters to me. Do I think I can do a good job as the manager of Glasgow Rangers? In my mind, it’s yes. ‘I love a challenge. My parents brought me up in life to always front a challenge. If you feel that challenge is the right one for you, go for it. Go and front it up and give it your best shot.’ Gerrard turned down a move to MK Dons two years ago, claiming he had turned down as many as eight offers in the period since. Explaining why Rangers succeeded where others failed, he added: ‘A huge opportunity presented itself. Obviously, I’m very aware of Rangers, the size of the club. I have watched them from afar for many years and I have been lucky enough to sample some Old Firm games. ‘When the call came, it was a no-brainer for me. I got a different feeling in my stomach from the previous opportunities I’ve had in terms of being a number one. ‘There were a lot of things to think about but, from that phone call, I got a special feeling and I knew Rangers was for me. ‘This opportunity doesn’t come around all the time. Clubs of this size with the stature, history and tradition.’ Informed of the Rangers interest by a phone call from Liverpool, where he dipped his toe in the waters coaching academy kids, Gerrard played down his lack of first-team experience so far. ‘It’s not an issue for me,’ he said. ‘It seems to be an issue for other people but I can’t control that. I respect everyone’s opinion. ‘I’ve been around a big football club and big matches for a long time. I’ve watched big managers perform and I’ve worked under big managers. ‘There’s only one way to go and get experience and that is to believe in yourself, that you have the right characteristics to take the challenge head on. And one day, I will be experienced.’ Rangers chairman Dave King insisted the club do not need a rights issue to provide their new manager with transfer cash. Asked how much support he had been promised, Gerrard said: ‘I don’t think it’s the time to go into much detail about what’s available and what’s been said to me in private meetings. ‘The most important thing for me is the opportunity and the challenge. That’s what I’m very excited about.’ Gerrard, who will take charge on June 1, added: ‘I wish I could get rid of the next four or five weeks because I can’t wait to meet the players.’