I expected 90% of problems .. it’s other 10% that knock you off stride
When it comes to pressure and intensity, Steven Gerrard knew what he was signing up for as Rangers manager.
Having to field questions about a police investigation into his star striker’s car being tampered with? That wasn’t part of the remit.
But the Ibrox boss admits he’s still learning on the job – and wouldn’t swap his stint in Glasgow for anything.
After surpassing 100 games in the dug-out last week, he had to deal with the latest Alfredo Morelos incident involving a man who was found under his Lamborghini.
Of course, Gerrard would rather spend his time talking purely about teams and tactics.
But he accepts that it’s different at the Old Firm. And he wouldn’t want a team full of choirboys, anyway.
As he reflected on some of the madness he’s encountered in Scottish football, Gerrard said: “Some days have been quite eyeopening. Certain events have been unexpected.
“But you’ve got to be prepared to adapt and make decisions that you’ve not had the experience of making before.
“That’s why it’s so important to have the right people around you to bounce things off.
“This squad has tested me at times, that’s for sure. On the pitch and off it. But that’s life and it’s what I’m learning about pretty quickly.
“I like peace, quiet, stability and focus. In an ideal situation, I want to put all my effort and energy into making decisions for the team to get results.
“But the reason I’m the manager is to manage stuff on and off the pitch. That’s something I signed up for.
“Every club has different challenges and personnel. Most clubs have individuals that will test you more than most. When you get up and come into work, 90 per cent of the challenges – you know you’ll have to face and deal with.
“But every so often, one comes out of the blue that’s unexpected. But you have to be on your toes and ready for that.
“The players who test you are normally the best ones. The players who play on the edge.
“I was probably the same for certain managers.
“I don’t want a squad full of people who don’t challenge me. I’m happy with the makeup of my team and wouldn’t change that for anything.”
One of the players who rarely causes Gerrard a problem is £7million signing Ryan Kent.
Although even he copped a two-game ban last term for punching Celtic skipper Scott Brown during an Old Firm game.
That didn’t stop the Rangers gaffer making him a marquee signing from Liverpool – and he grabbed a crucial goal in their 2-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead in December.
Gerrard is pleased with the wideman’s contribution, despite a dip in Gers’ form after the winter break.
And he expects him to be a key player in their challenge for the title. He said: “Ryan’s already beaten last season’s tally for goals and assists by the end of
January so we’re pleased with where his numbers are at.
“The reason we were so keen to pay the money for him was because he’s capable of improving his numbers.
“He wants to make these fans happy. And there’s no doubt that Ryan will contribute heavily to this team.
“For a long time he probably didn’t know if he was coming or going at Liverpool. He’s probably been all over the place from a mental point of view.
“But this is his home now, he’s settled. His numbers are good but we want him to get better and keep improving.”
Gerrard will need his full squad to contribute if they’re going to be champions and that includes Matt Polster, who’s been deputising for skipper James Tavernier.
The American, who looked to be on his way out, will now be a key member of his pool – even when Tavernier is fit.
Gerrard said: “I need squad players to stand up and be counted now.
“And with Matt, that’s why I’m not panicking about Ryan Jack’s shortterm injury because he can also cover us as a good central midfielder.
“I played against him in the MLS when he was at right-back and midfield – and he shone.It gives him an advantage in terms of getting on the pitch and growing as a player.”
Borna Barisic has already offered to help Rangers new boy Ianis Hagi settle in at Ibrox.
But he says the Romanian can think again if he’s planning to take over free-kick duty for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Barisic – who signed a new long-term deal at Gers on Thursday – initially found it difficult adapting to the Scottish game.
He expects Hagi, 21, to experience a similar transition and has vowed to do everything he can to make it as smooth as possible.
Barisic has previously confessed to being on the verge of leaving Ibrox when he found himself out of form and out of Gerrard’s side.
He has fought back to establish himself as firstchoice left-back and a fans’ favourite, culminating in the new contract.
The Croatian international had to change his mentality to be a success in Scotland and says that’s the biggest test Hagi will face after arriving from Genk.
Barisic said: “I want to help Ianis settle because I struggled. I’ve already said to him – everyone here has – that if he needs some help, just to ask.
“If he wants to speak about football or anything else, I can give him the advice he needs.
“The biggest challenge for a foreign player coming here is mentality.
“When you’re young like Ianis you still haven’t developed that character.
“He needs to know, coming to Rangers, that every game here you need to win. And that Scottish football isn’t beautiful football. It’s more aggressive and he’ll have to get used to that.
“When I go back to Croatia now people say I’m different.
“Everything has changed – my character, mentality and physicality as