Steven Gerrard doesn’t want anyone from the first-team squad asking why they aren’t playing, according to Joe Worrall.
The Rangers manager has certainly been instilling his own philosophy into the squad since arriving at Ibrox. This has seen him bring in 15 new signings, with all players seemingly loving life under the new man.
Worrall was one of those 15 summer signings, arriving on-loan from Nottingham Forest. He’s also another of the new men to be thoroughly enjoying his time in Glasgow.
Despite not being highly regarded by supporters as of yet, that isn’t stopping the Englishman from trying to make the most of the experience.
And in a revealing interview, he’s touched on an odd rule that Gerrard has implemented that all players know about.
“The gaffer definitely takes no prisoners. He said to us, ‘I will play the best team possible from training and games and if you get a shirt to play you had better keep it’.
“He said, ‘I don’t want anyone knocking on my door saying why I am not playing?’ If you are playing well you get a shirt. If you don’t then you don’t’.
“But he is a caring manager who is very kind and not a shouter. He is going to have a top managerial career. He explains stuff in detail and all the guys are buying into it.”
Squad told not to bother moaning
It’s not something you hear a lot of – managers refusing to let their players talk to them about their playing time. Gerrard appears to be strict when it matters, and wants his squad to focus on earning their way in.
Of course, the Rangers manager has certainly provided everyone with opportunities. Even frozen out players such as Ross McCrorie, Jordan Rossiter, and Andy Halliday have all been brought back and had differing success.
Worrall himself has been one of the most shifted players in the squad. He’s made 11 Rangers appearances this term, but has seen himself dropped for Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic in the past.
It appears the Gers manager is creating an environment where opportunities will be plentiful, and therefore it keeps everyone on their toes. Complaining to the manager about playing time in that kind of environment would show a weak mentality.
Gerrard his making his mark at Ibrox nicely these days. His effect and influence can be felt all around the club in these early stages. Whilst he isn’t afraid to form rules that go against the norm, he’s getting the right reaction from his players.
For Worrall, he’ll just be hoping he can find the form that won’t see him permanently dropped.
