Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has responded to a controversy surrounding Alfredo Morelos’ reaction to being subbed in the 4-0 victory over Aberdeen.
The feisty forward cut a dejected figure as he exited the field, throwing his gloves to the floor and stomping up into the stands.
The striker was snapped by cameras with a trademark scowl as a frustrated Morelos was clearly left annoyed at not finding the back of the net in the resounding victory.
Speaking to the press after the game, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard said the situation had left him feeling quite baffled and he was unsure why Morelos was so unhappy.
The Ibrox gaffer pointed to a strong individual performance, the four goals scored by the team and the fact there’s a crunch match with Benfica on the horizon.
“Does he ever (look happy)?” said Gerrard [Daily Mail].
“I can’t work it out. We’re 4-0 up, he’s played well, his team-mate is about to come on, we’ve got a big game on Thursday.
“I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Alfredo why he was a bit sad. I wasn’t sad, I was very happy.”
Gerrard’s comments suggest the Ibrox gaffer substituted Morelos to keep him fresh for the visit of the Portuguese giants in the Europa League on Thursday.
They were also very complimentary to Morelos’ performance even though he didn’t score, the striker coming deep to pull players out of position and create space in behind Aberdeen.
Morelos only has three domestic goals this season after a summer of protracted transfer links – but should he eventually move on is there a readymade replacement playing in Scotland?
