The Gerrard Morelos relationship has been flourishing since the scouse took up the reigns at Ibrox.
The Scouser understands just how important a player Morelos can be for Rangers. And in return, the fans are seeing performances of the highest quality from the player. He’s been outstanding and symbolises all that is good about the club at the moment.
There’s been improvement across the board from Morelos. From his finishing, to his link up play, to his temperament. But it’s the latter he struggles with the most.
Another yellow on Wednesday means Rangers are suddenly in a bit of a pickle for the Betfred Cup semi. What Gerrard said about Morelos before this Livingston game was very interesting. He’s managing him superbly, and it could be the key to getting the best out of him, keeping him on the pitch, and getting success at Rangers.
“He’s the reason we are in the semi final”
Alfredo scored a hattrick against Kilmarnock and Gerrard was quick to point this out. Not only that, but he offered patience when it came to his young striker’s issues.
“He is the reason we are in the semi final,” Gerrard told Rangers TV. “We can’t praise him and love him and appreciate him being here and then when he makes a mistake because he is a human being we can’t lambaste him in the press.”
There’s a real care for how Rangers handle him. He gets treated a little differently from the others it seems. But that’s what you do with ability. Morelos requires a certain kind of love and certain kind of discipline. What Gerrard does with him will have a huge impact on his performance on the pitch. The Gerrard Morelos dynamic is very important to the team’s success.
Gerrard “bitterly disappointed” Morelos won’t be available.
Gerrard was also quick to point out the yellow card came from a bad foul on the striker. He then claimed their player should’ve got a yellow if anyone. And he’s right.
Morelos will be a big loss in the final, and it doesn’t look like Umar Sadiq can step up and take his place any time soon.
“It’s a frustration,” said Gerrard. “We lose a player in form and we’re going to have to find a way to get the job done without a natural nine unless Sadiq comes to the party and improves an awful lot between now and then.”
Whatever happens against Aberdeen, you can bet that Morelos will play a huge part in our season going forward. But it’s the Gerrard Morelos relationship and dynamic which might just come to define how big a season that is.
