Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has responded to claims from Alfredo Morelos that the two had “difficulties” in the past by reiterating his hope the striker stays at Ibrox next season and beyond.
Colombian international Morelos, 24, had previously claimed in the press in his homeland that he has had his issues with the Rangers gaffer, even if they have now resolved them.
Morelos – who describes Gerrard as “a legend and a great person” – was said to have had his “head turned” by Gerrard following a reported £16m bid from Ligue 1 side Lille in the summer.
“He is a legend and a great person,” said Morelos, in an interview with Win Sports TV.
“I have had difficulties with him, but we have fixed it as a coach and player, he has had confidence in me and I have responded, we have a nice relationship.
“I feel very happy, we have a purpose which is the Cup and to start the year on the right foot, the team has done important things both in national and international football, now I want to continue adding goals and assists.”
Gerrard responded to those claims by saying he wasn’t “aware” of any difficulties, the Scouse boss revealing that he has “loved every minute of working with” Morelos.
“He did an interview recently talking about the difficulties we’ve had. I’m not aware of them, because it’s not been a difficulty for me,” said Gerrard [Scottish Sun].
“Listen, the relationship is fantastic. I get on with Alfredo extremely well.
“I suppose some of the things I have imposed on him, in terms of fines, suspensions and certain things I’ve made him do to get him in better physical shape, have been quite difficult for him, but they haven’t been for me.
“I can understand where he’s coming from but, in terms of the relationship, I’ve never had a difficult day because I’ve loved every minute of working with him. I still do.”
The Ibrox gaffer also revealed that he was eager to see the forward “stay for a long time” and claims that Alfredo is “probably the happiest” he’s ever seen him.
The Ibrox gaffer also hinted there could be a new contract for Alfie on the horizon as the Gers look to tie down the bulk of the players who achieved legendary status by winning 55.
“Alfredo has been a challenge because he hasn’t always been perfect, but he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with,” said Gerrard.
“He’s smiling and it’s probably the happiest I’ve seen him over the course of the three years.
“We want Alfredo to stay fit and healthy and help us finish the season as strongly as we can.
“I’m delighted for him that finally he’s got a reward for all the goals he’s scored and all the top performances he’s put in.
“He’s really proud to be a champion and a league winner here — hopefully it’s given him the hunger to achieve many more things with the team.
“It’s not just about Alfredo. It’s about the team and the team have been magnificent. I hope he stays for a long time.
“There are a few more in the pipeline we want to get done and dusted to keep that core of players as strong as we can.”
Rangers striker Morelos has gone on to write his name in the history books at Ibrox and is one of the club’s longest-serving players, having joined the summer of 2017.
Perhaps the striker should be careful what he wishes for regarding a summer move with the buoyant forward clearly happy at Ibrox.
