Criticism comes with the territory, says Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD insists pressure and job scrutiny are part and parcel of Old Firm life as the Ibrox boss looks to continue Rangers’ fine start to the season.

The Ibrox club head into the Europa League clash with Lech Poznan this evening six points clear of Celtic in the title race.

Old Firm counterpart Neil Lennon has had to defend his record and position in recent days following three games without a win. And Gerrard is well aware of the nuances of working in Glasgow as Rangers find themselves in a promising position right now.

He said: “I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to work out that whoever is in the best form seems to get a bit more peace in terms of the scrutiny in the media and the questions fired at you.

“You get a couple of indifferent results and that certainly changes very quickly and the heat comes in a different direction. That’s the way it is. That’s what myself and Neil – or myself and Brendan [ Rodgers] prior to Neil – have to live with. That’s the job we are in. That’s never going to change.

“I’m sure it’s been the same for many years and it will be in the future. I accept that. It is what it is. At the moment, obviously the team are doing well. We need to continue that but it is what it is.”

An unbeaten start to the campaign has raised hopes amongst supporters that this could be Rangers’ season in the title race. But Gerrard is keen to manage the expectation levels within Ibrox this term and said: “We in the building and the squad can’t control if people on the outside want to raise expectation.

“We just need to concentrate on the job at hand, which is winning as many football matches as we can.

“It’s my job to make sure the team stay in this place, stay hungry, stay humble and guard from complacency. We will attack each game as it comes and give it our best shot.”