Steven Gerrard was noticeably frustrated when talking about Borna Barisic’s latest injury.
The Rangers boss raged at the treatment of the player’s injury in the immediate aftermath after picking it up. Barisic went down 30 minutes into Croatia’s 2-1 defeat to Hungary in the week.
The Rangers manager was incredibly frustrated that Barisic returned to the Hummel Training Centre a few days late. In his opinion, Barisic “should be available” for the Old Firm and the delay in returning to Ibrox is why he won’t be.
But by being noticeably vexed by the entire thing, it gives a little insight into Gerrard’s frustration with the Barisic situation.
Borna Barisic has missed much of the season through injury. And every time he looks like getting a run of games, he is back on the treatment table.
Steven Gerrard not amused with Borna Barisic situation
But Gerrard doesn’t have the same attitude with any of his other injured players. Barisic’s injury history seems to be a great source of annoyance for the Gers manager.
There was also talk of a rift after the friendly with HJK Helsinki.
And whilst the Croatian Football Association got much of the flak from Gerrard, Barisic wasn’t immune from it.
Namely, as quoted in the Herald, Gerrard said:
“While he had a small chance, I think he should have, but we never got him back till a couple of days late, for whatever reason. I’m not really interested but he’s not available for us.
“You’ll have to ask the player that question. You’ll have to ask the player or Croatia that question. I just believe we pay the players’ wages.”
His frustration is evident. You also get the feeling that if Barisic’s injury/perceived attitude problems don’t change, he’ll be out the door come June.
