It wasn’t the result anyone wanted, but the Celtic defeat came at the perfect time for Steven Gerrard.
The dust has settled on an ultimately disappointing day for Rangers fans on Sunday. Celtic won 1-0 and the game is now over as is some of the hysterical over-reaction.
It’s now a time for clear heads at the club after this set-back, and Rangers need to remain composed heading into the international break.
The two-week break from competitive action means that the defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ men comes at the perfect time.
High emotions
With emotions running high and the pressure on the squad having risen massively, a break is ideal. It gives the players on international duty the chance to go away with their nation and clear their heads.
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For those still at the club during the break, it allows them to relax and try to remember the positives so far.
Much can be made of the poor start Rangers have had domestically, but this is still a young squad. Celtic at Parkhead was always going to be a tough challenge. But it’s important that the manager and the players learn from their individual mistakes.
What Gerrard has instilled in this squad of players is a belief. It wasn’t there at Parkhead, but it’s been stamped all over them in previous Europa League ties.
The defeat at Parkhead was a real set-back, but it comes at a time when Rangers can regroup. Some see it as a lingering pain over a long stretch of time. But in truth, Rangers could do with clearing their minds and remembering just how much they’ve improved from last season.
Win would’ve been dreamland
It’s important not to expect too much too soon for Rangers fans. A win at Parkhead and this Gerrard revival would’ve been in dreamland at this early stage.
It’s vital that Gerrard in particular, however, looks back on the Old Firm and looks at where he went wrong. His tactical decisions bemused the supporters, but it’s understandable why he was no negative. The international break gives him a chance to do that.
It also allows Rangers to get several midfield stars back in contention to challenge. In recent games, Rangers’ numbers in midfield has been thinning. Outside of the trio that started in midfield against Celtic, only Andy Halliday was in reserve.
The likes of Graham Dorrans, Lassana Coulibaly, and Eros Grezda can now build up their fitness.
Rangers have to now look forward, and the international break gives them a good time to do that.
Dundee are up next at Ibrox. That should be three points. If it is, then things will start to settle once more.