Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish has hailed the performance of Steven Gerrard so far at the club.
The former title-winning manager stated his belief that the club now has a “new lease of life”.
The comments come ahead of a huge clash against NK Maribor in the Europa League tonight. Anything other than a two-goal defeat or more will ensure Rangers reach the playoff round of the competition.
It’s a far cry from when the Ibrox side were being knocked out of European competition by Progres Niederkorn. And McLeish, speaking to the BBC, hailed the influence the new man has had on the club.
Steven Gerrard has come in and given Rangers a new lease of life. If you compare it to last season then you have to say it’s immense strides Rangers have taken under Steven. Gary McAllister is a very close friend and these guys have the belief, knowledge and gravitas to be at a club like Rangers. I think they inspire other players. Players that maybe didn’t do quite so well and will now probably play to a higher level than they thought they were capable of. That’s the type of experience that Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister bring to Rangers
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Gerrard remains unbeaten with his new side, and has earned praise from all quarters for the instant improvement in the squad.
Particularly defensively, the midfield icon seems to have shored things up and removed the deadwood. With David Bates, Fabio Cardoso, and Bruno Alves all departing, Rangers have replaced them with Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic.
It’s led to a more steady and balanced Rangers side in recent weeks, and that will have to be on show once more in Slovenia.
McLeish spent over four years at Ibrox, winning seven trophies including a domestic treble in 2003.