Even if Celtic get their Ole Grail of 10 Gers must stand by Gerrard
Elvis: United have shown way with backing Solskjaer
Steven Pressley insists Steven Gerrard is still the best man to deliver silverware for Rangers – even if they risk Celtic making nine and 10 in a row history in the process.
The former Ibrox defender has called for fans to stand by the gaffer despite the drastic slump which has seen them fall 13 points behind in a title race they had in their own hands at the turn of the year.
With Scottish football now on an indefinite break to combat the coronavirus crisis, a huge question mark has been thrown over the remainder of the season.
But if and when play does resume Pressley – who came through the ranks at Ibrox and also spent two years with Celtic – says Rangers must stick 100 per cent behind their manager.
And he points to the support Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has enjoyed at Manchester United as reason to believe.
Pressley said: “I think the league is beyond Rangers but for the first six months of this season we saw some of the best football coming out of Ibrox for years.
“They have got the right manager. It takes time but Steven Gerrard will bring success to Rangers.
“It might take him a third year – maybe four – but success will come.
“I see them moving in the right direction, I just think he needs longer. He needs another summer to build his squad and mould his team.
“If you look at Manchester United just now who are beginning to come together more and more.
“They have been through difficult times but they stuck with the manager because they believe in him.
“That is what you need to do. I don’t think there would be any advantage in
Rangers losing Gerrard.
“He needs to stay for continuity for staff, players and the club. That is the only way Rangers will get their success.
“They’ve got Ross Wilson in there now and hopefully he will get his first real window in the summer to bring in the type of player that Steven wants.”
Pressley admits he is as mystified as anyone to the reasons behind Rangers’ insipid form since the winter break. Five wins from 10 league matches have seen them fall way behind Celtic who, in contrast, have stepped up the gears since returning from Dubai.
A Scottish Cup exit to Hearts compounded Gerrard’s woes and turned the heat up on the Liverpool and England legend.
Elvis reckons Gerrard might have to follow Neil Lennon’s lead and shake up his gameplan and formation to spark his side back to life.
He said: “Rangers had been so aggressive in their performances before the winter break but I’ve not seen that aggression since.
“When Rangers have been at their best it’s come through high-pressing footballfootball. I don’t see that in Alfredo Morelos now and I don’t see it in Ianis Hagi.
“In the first part of the season at times Scott Arfield played as the wide attacker. He has that aggression and ability to press in a way Rangers want to.
“We all have a tactic and a preconceived way in which we want our teams to play.
“Steven definitely likes 4-3-3 and high-pressure football but sometimes you have to be flexible.
“Neil Lennon has shown a bit of flexibility in moving to two up front. Maybe for the short term Steven has to consider finding a slightly different system to get the best out his players.”