Steven Gerrard previewed Sunday’s Old Firm in a press conference, followed by the Rangers Twitter account, on Friday afternoon.
Throughout the presser, the manager made his expectations abundantly clear.
He’s been on both sides of the fence after his first two tastes of the Glasgow Derby.
A defeat in the first was followed by a victory in the second.
Ahead of the third installment, he fired a warning to his players. The league may be out of reach, but this is no time to go into hiding.
“If you go in with the wrong mentality you won’t win these games”, said Gerrard, as quoted by the Rangers Twitter account.
“You have to man-up and take responsibility individually and collectively.”
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He then went on to
rubbish a journalist’s question, stating that Celtic Park was far from a Lions Den. However, he’s under no illusions and knows the atmosphere will be hostile.
“You have to thrive in this atmosphere. If any of my players don’t fancy it they are at the wrong club”, he concluded.
Analysis
Warnings such as these are always that little bit more credible when the man delivering them has been there and done that.
Not only did Gerrard carry Liverpool for a decade, but he also thrived in derbies.
As a manager, it’s only fair that he expects the same from his current charges.
This squad showed what they are capable of in December. Now, it’s time to prove that wasn’t a flash in the pan by doing it again, this time on enemy soil.
