Crazy to say my pal has lost players
Robbie Fowler insists it’s nonsense to suggest that Steven Gerrard has lost the Rangers dressing-room.
And he believes his old Liverpool pal can bring the good times back to Ibrox if fans and the board keep the faith.
Gerrard has come under pressure after an incredible domestic collapse since the winter break, with Gers now trailing Celtic by 16 points and knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Hearts.
That has led to claims that some players have downed tools but former Anfield striker Fowler believes everyone in the dressing-room remains 100 per cent behind his former team-mate.
Fowler said: “From a distance I can sniff out the rubbish. Like the suggestion he’s lost the players – absolute rubbish.
“I don’t have to speak to him to know that’s wrong. Steven will be hurting from that loss at home to Hamilton and the cup defeat by Hearts. He’s passionate, he wears his heart on his sleeve all the time.
“Any players not delivering, he’ll come out and say it. And I’ll back him 100 per cent in that. I’m sure he will get it right but managers have certain periods when they’re under pressure.
“Sometimes you have to grit your teeth and get through it.
“In Scotland, I know there are plenty of agendas – and Steven knows that too. There are a lot of people who want to see a name like him fail.
“Those are the times you need to support the manager, back what he’s doing and believe in him. All successful managers have needed that support at some time. It’s about perspective.”
Gers face Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday in the Europa League last 16.
And Fowler, now boss of Australian side Brisbane Roar, thinks the stunning European displays of Gerrard’s side prove he’s getting it right at Ibrox.
He said: “Against Braga in the last round I could see a team that has got every belief in what the boss is doing. They have bought into what he wants.
“They have reached the last 16 for the first time since 2011 – and gone further than Celtic – because Steven has got them playing the right way.
“I’m not defending him because we were team-mates. I’m arguing that there is no perspective any more.
“The performances in Europe have been outstanding – and maybe they are paying the penalty for that a little in the league.
“They have a glamorous tie against Leverkusen. He’s doing something right. And you can’t question the commitment and desire. We both want to get to the top in our new careers. And I have no doubt he will do that eventually.”