Rookie chief wants real men to take on Bhoys POWER RANGER
IBROX: A NEW ERA Gerrard: Show me spirit and fight
STEVEN GERRARD has wasted no time in firing out a warning to his new Rangers side.
The Liverpool legend was unveiled as the Ibrox chief on Friday on a fouryear deal.
The 37-year-old former midfielder was renowned for his high standards and never-say-die attitude and warned he expects the same from his players.
Rangers supporters have accused the players of lacking passion in recent 4-0 and 5-0 defeats to bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic – and Gerrard said he will not tolerate a lack of desire.
“I can’t have that,” he said.
“That’s got to stop and it’s got to stop now.” And he says that when he finally meets his squad on June 1, he’ll know almost immediately whether certain players are up for the battle of challenging the Bhoys.
If they’re not, Gerrard will quickly show them the door. “These players will know very quickly what myself and my staff are about – and what we demand,” he said.
“A lot of them will already know the demands of the club. But it’s very important from the off that they buy into what I’m trying to do.
“And there are lots of areas where we need to improve.
“Can I change a player’s mentality? I’ll try. But I need players who are willing to adapt, players who are going to believe in what we’re doing.
“But I’ve been around footballers for a long time. I’ll work out very quickly who fancies this challenge and who wants to come with me.
“If there’s people who don’t fancy it and want to be somewhere else, good luck to them.
“If you’re not a hungry footballer, you shouldn’t be at Rangers Football Club.
“I want a team that’s full of fight and passion.
“I want players that are prepared to empty the tank, ones who are confident and can handle pressure.
“I’ll assess them. Whether it’s a session, a day, a week or a month, I’ll work it out.
“I want a squad of players who are focused on the future, not the past.
“I want players who want to be with me on this journey. Who want to go and take the challenge to everyone in this league – and are willing to give it everything.
“I’ll give them the respect they deserve. I’m open, honest and approachable.
“I try to support them and bring them on board. If they buy into it, they’ve got a chance.”
After talking to fans, Gerrard was left in no uncertain terms what the supporters are expecting – the SPL title.
“I get that fans want the title,” he added. “And I’m only an hour into the job.
“Meeting the supporters was fantastic. I appreciate and respect what they want and that’s instant success.
“They want it yesterday and I get it. But I’ve been brought in for a reason.
“The team and the squad has to improve.”
I want a team that is full of fight and passion. I want players who are prepared to empty the tank