Livingston manager Gary Holt has launched into a rant about Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, as quoted by the Daily Record.
The two are set to come up against each other on Sunday afternoon, with Rangers travelling to the Tony Macaroni Arena for a Scottish Premiership clash.
Ahead of the game, discussing how different a challenge Livi would be in comparison to the FC Porto side which turned out at Ibrox on Thursday evening, Gerrard made reference to the opposition’s physical approach [Rangers.co.uk].
He talked about the League Cup quarter-final there last month, saying that due to the nature of the home side’s tactics, three of his players required treatment for head knocks in the opening stages.
“As a manager, I attempt to keep any grievances private,” said Holt, as quoted by the Daily Record. “If something has flared up and requires a response then my style would be to have a quiet word in someone’s ear the next time I see them. But on this occasion, I feel the need to make an exception.”
“It was the naivety in the comments about my club Livingston from Rangers manager Steven Gerrard that surprised me.
“It’s not on to suggest that the way my players approach a game puts opponents in greater harm. Football is a contact sport. Injuries are sustained – it’s an occupational hazard…But to suggest our club is one where head injuries are the norm is way offside.”
“Ahead of a game against Livingston between a club the size and stature of Rangers, would someone such as Walter Smith have made similar comments?”
The Livi boss went on to state that his team would try to make things as ‘ugly and unpleasant’ as possible for the Gers, in their quest for victory.
Verdict
Holt’s pre-match rant, which has been condensed here, adds an extra spark to what was already an intriguing contest.
There’s no doubt the West Lothian outfit are physical and that approach has proven to be effective since their return to the top flight.
Celtic succumbed to a combative and high-intensity display from the Lions last month, and despite Rangers’ recent good form, they’ll fancy their chances of completing an Old Firm double this weekend.
There isn’t much time for Gerrard to respond verbally to his fellow manager. Therefore, it’s about sending his players out and backing them to show their class.
At the end of the day, whatever the chat in the build-up, if Rangers perform to their level, they will win.
Here’s our Predicted XI for the game.
