GERRARD’S SYMPATHY FOR RIVAL

STEVEN GERRARD last night spoke of his empathy with Neil Lennon over the ‘lonely’ world of Old Firm management and revealed he hopes to share a drink with his departed rival in the future. The Rangers boss admitted the nature of football in Glasgow meant there was rarely room for two successful managers, but stressed he took no personal satisfaction from Lennon’s resignation at Parkhead. Celtic confirmed the 49-yearold’s exit early yesterday morning after a miserable campaign which has left the club 18 points adrift of Gerrard’s unbeaten Premiership leaders. The former Liverpool captain now stands just seven points away from claiming Rangers’ first title in a decade and confirming his own reputation as a rising managerial star. However, Gerrard reflected on the more difficult aspects of his journey at Ibrox as he detailed the rapport established with Lennon prior to them going head-to-head. ‘I can certainly understand the pressure and the sacrifice you have to make to be in this position as an Old Firm manager,’ said Gerrard. ‘Obviously I can only talk from the blue side. I’ve been in the job for nearly three years and it’s a very demanding environment. ‘There is a lot of pressure involved and it’s part of the job you sign up for. You understand that if things are going well, it’s fantastic and you get a lot of praise for that. You have an opportunity to be a success. ‘But when things are not going well, it can be a lonely place. I’ve experienced that here. ‘So I totally appreciate the job that Neil has done for Celtic. I take no personal satisfaction in seeing a rival manager lose his job, or any manager. Because I understand what you have to put into this job on a daily basis. ‘I know Neil and he’s a good guy. He has been a big supporter of my charity over the years. ‘Obviously we have to put that aside when you are big rivals and I have enjoyed the battles and going toe-to-toe with Neil on the sidelines. He’s a good coach, a good manager. ‘I’m sure once the dust settles, we can share a pint again. I wish him well in the future.’