As quoted by the Daily Record, Steven Gerrard has promised changes behind the scenes at Ibrox in an attempt to combat ill-discipline.
Rangers developed something of a reputation for bad behaviour last season.
The likes of Daniel Candeias, Allan McGregor, and Scott Arfield all received their marching orders and no matter how flawed the system, SFA charges were never far away either.
Gerrard ushers in change
Suspensions ruled bg players out of key fixtures, harming the side’s chances in all competitions. Therefore, Gerrard is keen to address the issue by changing the club’s code of conduct.
“Last year we tweaked the code from previous regimes,” explained Gerrard, as quoted by the Daily Record. “But from a discipline point of view, we’ll now be adding to it with stricter punishments for players who think they can misbehave on a football pitch.”
“It’s going to cost the team so that’s a priority of mine, to change the code of conduct in that area. We understand players are going to get booked or pick up an unfortunate red card. But for stuff that’s not acceptable on the pitch, we have to improve it. I didn’t know the players well enough last year.
“I didn’t want to come in and look like a manager who was changing everything that had gone on before.I had a chat with the players because I wanted their input and there didn’t seem a big problem with the discipline a year before. So I didn’t think I needed to be as strict as I’m going to be this season. I’ll definitely be more strict moving forward.”
Verdict
Last year, the coaching staff brushed aside frequent questions about the squad’s discipline or lack thereof.
However, it seems the manager is finally acknowledging that just talking about the issue with the players isn’t enough. There needs to be a more tangible internal punishment for misbehaviour and it seems steps are being taken to that end.
Hopefully, the message will finally start to filter through. Especially, to Morelos.
If the Gers are going to win the SPL title this coming season, keeping all eleven bodies on the pitch and minimising the number of suspensions is key.