You need to put on a brave face

SAYS SAM ALLARDYCE

Former england manager Sam Allardyce claims Steven Gerrard was wrong to act so emotionally in public following rangers’ defeat to Hearts. Just three days after beating Braga to reach the last 16 of the europa League, the Ibrox outfit lost 1-0 in Saturday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Tynecastle. After the game, Gerrard sparked speculation about his own future by stating he needed to do some ‘serious thinking in the next 24-48 hours’. The Liverpool legend also claimed it was the worst he had felt since taking up the reins in June 2018. However, experienced ex-Newcastle, everton and West Ham boss Allardyce believes Gerrard needs to put on a brave face in front of the media in future, even if he is feeling down. ‘Privately, when you’re in your own space but publicly, you can’t (allow yourself to be like that),’ said the 65-year-old. ‘Publicly, you have to show a front to your players that you’re behind them, that you’re going to criticise them — constructively — because of the poor performances they’ve given and you show them a way forward and act in a positive nature. ‘Players can sense when you’re not performing at your best and it can affect them. ‘You’ve got to be brave enough to overcome however down you feel — pick yourself up, be bright, bubbly and positive and make sure you get the best out of your players in the next game.’ Allardyce, however, believes Gerrard will not end up quitting rangers. Speaking to beIN SPORTS, he added: ‘He’s putting his own position in doubt. ‘People will read into that what they want to read into it, thinking he might even go as far as walk away. I don’t think he will, I think he’s just having a down moment. ‘Somebody needs to pick him up, particularly his staff. His staff need to get in privately and quietly and say: “Come on gaffer, get your mojo back, let’s get on with it”.’