Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s Dundee reaction surprised many to say the least, as he stated he wasn’t pleased with it.
Despite the impressive rout at Ibrox, Gerrard believed his side could’ve been more ruthless. Goals from Lassana Coulibaly, Ryan Kent, James Tavernier, and Glenn Middleton sealed a fine three points.
It was a terrific reaction to the Old Firm set-back two weeks ago, and Gerrard clearly sent his side out to attack mercilessly.
Speaking after the game, however, Gerrard expressed a disappointment in how his side went about killing the game.
“If you’re 2-0 up so early, go and get three and four before half-time. I just thought the game died at certain at times, the tempo and intensity dropped too much for my liking.
“We got a few early goals. At that time that’s where I’m looking for players in my team to be a bit more relentless and ruthless and really go for teams and split the game in two.
“Four-nil is okay but I was wanting more.”
Gerrard’s perfection
Fans would perhaps have raised an eyebrow at this reaction, but this is just the perfectionist in Gerrard coming out. If Rangers are keen on making Ibrox a fortress once more, this is the kind of attitude they need to have.
Supporters will no doubt have had a different view, however. Despite a less than attacking nature being adopted at Celtic Park, there was no denying the Gers were all guns blazing against the Dees.
If Rangers are to mount a title-challenge this season, they have to have that ruthless streak. In the main, despite the manager’s comments, they showed a merciless attitude on Saturday regardless.
What will have impressed Rangers fans most, however, was the reaction to the Celtic defeat. The players genuinely looked as though they were hurting, and determined to put things right.
Unlike previous years, the Rangers manager clearly put some fight into the side after an Old Firm defeat. Where last season they would’ve slipped up after losing to Celtic, this was more like the Rangers of old.
When teams like Dundee come to town, Rangers could do with dismantling them like they did on Saturday. Gerrard’s perfectionist nature will always want more, but he’ll be quietly delighted with the response.
Consistency is now key, but a tough trip to Villarreal now awaits on Thursday night in the Europa league curtain-raiser.