On Wednesday evening, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard sat alongside midfielder Steven Davis in a press conference, to preview the crunch Europa League qualifying clash against Legia Warsaw.
This is a tie with considerable financial ramifications, with a big reward available for whichever of the two teams can make it to the competition proper.
It’s serious business.
Yet, both the manager and his senior player found themselves trying not to laugh during what was, at times, a bizarre presser.
“I would like to ask about your biggest artillery, Alfredo Morelos”, said a local journalist, as seen on Rangers’ YouTube channel. “He scored 30 goals last season, but during the games against Midtjylland he got an injury, and he didn’t play the last game. So I would like to know if he’s able to play…and he’s had many red cards as well, five last season, so there have been some allegations he may need psychological help.”
Gerrard was first visibly confused by the question on Morelos’ non-existent injury, then amused by the suggestion that his player is in need of professional help in a bid to reign in his behaviour.
Of course, he quickly set the record straight, declaring El Bufalo fit to play and backing his frontman.
Earlier in the presser, the same journalist had asked Gerrard which Legia players he was ‘scared’ of and his memories of playing in Poland with England in 2012, while Steven Davis was quizzed on his knowledge, or lack thereof, of individuals in the opposition.
Clearly, if I were to attempt to interview the Legia manager in Polish, things would not go well either.
Yet, the presser had a weird amateurish feel not befitting of the massive tie it was previewing. The two Steven’s handled the situation well though, and can now turn their thoughts to performance at what is set to be a raucous Polish Army Stadium.
Here’s our Predicted XI for tonight’s tie.
