‘WELCOME TO THE LAND OF NO SLEEP’

How the football world reacted to Rangers’ sensational appointment

‘I’m delighted for him because he’s had an incredible playing career and he’s wanted to manage and now he gets the chance to do that. I’m happy he enters into my world of coaching and managing. Welcome to the land of no sleep. His role will be to make it work, my job is to try and make sure it doesn’t.’ BRENDAN RODGERS

‘If Rangers said they were signing Jose Mourinho as a player there would be outrage. He’s a world-class manager. Steven Gerrard is getting away with it because he’s a world-class player. But he’s not been tested in management.’ KRIS BOYD

‘I’m sure he will electrify the situation up there. He’s a lucky man, as I was a lucky man, to have worked for Liverpool and Rangers — two institutions. He’ll learn from his mistakes as he goes along, and that’s how it should be. He’s been a top player but I’m not sure how much that will help. Okay, you are in the same working environment, but the responsibilities you feel as manager are enormous. The bigger the club, the more passionate the club, that’s where the pressure comes from.’ GRAEME SOUNESS

‘People are citing the example of Pep Guardiola. But Pep was at Barcelona for years. Zinedine Zidane was at Real Madrid for years. That’s why they are successful. That’s why the big clubs give these guys the job — because there is a trust there, an understanding of the club.’ NEIL LENNON

‘It’s a big gamble, for Steven and Rangers. The verdict in Glasgow is quite split. There were a lot of Rangers supporters who wanted Neil Warnock to get the job. We can discuss Gerrard’s appointment — and some people are for it, some are against it, a lot of people have question marks about it.’

‘It’s hugely exciting and it brings gravitas to the Scottish game. Stevie is a fresh young manager who’s taking on a big role. It’s significant for a player of Stevie’s stature to cut his teeth with his first managerial job in Scotland. It’s a fantastic job to take for your first but it’s a toughie.’ CRAIG LEVEIN

‘Steven Gerrard is a leader, a winner and the players will feel that and they’ll want to react to that. Steven will definitely achieve something. I’m so excited for him, he’s a great guy and what a great start for him. The good thing is he’s young, he’s eager and keen. He’s a winner and (as a player) that’s what you want to play for.’ PAUL GASCOIGNE:

‘He is joining a great football club with big traditions, big support in a great city. Why would he not take it on? You take on the challenge if you get it. It doesn’t matter how good a player you have been in the past, it doesn’t prepare you for management —except you have the experience of being in (high-profile) situations. Until you do it you don’t know what it is like, so I think it will give Steven a great chance because there is a lot of pressure with managing Rangers.’ DAVID MOYES

‘He loves football so it’s an opportunity to show his level. Because he has had so many different managers, with so many different styles, I’m sure he has learned from everyone and hopefully he can do well. It’s not easy, because it is not easy for them (Rangers) to compete against Celtic. He will be a manager with fresh ideas and his commitment and passion will be there. He can do well.’ RAFA BENITEZ

‘It’s a big step and good luck to sleepless nights, Steve. It’s a big club and it’s his first time as a manager, so he’ll find out when he’s sat behind the desk how difficult it can be.’ SAM ALLARDYCE

‘The biggest challenge? To convince the players, and not only the players but the staff, to believe in you. Some luck too — that is important. Steve was an amazing player and showed he has the experience to manage. I wish him all the best. It will be fantastic for football to have him as a manager and to one day challenge him.’ MAURICIO POCHETTINO