Steven Gerrard’s Old Firm experience certainly lived up to the billing if you ask the man himself.
The Rangers manager has had many successful days and nights in the Ibrox dugout so far. One of the highlights, however, was being struck by the passion of the Old Firm derby itself.
Liverpool legend Gerrard has played in a plethora of Merseyside derbies, but experienced his first Old Firm as a participant back in September. The Gers ultimately lost out in a narrow 1-0 defeat at Celtic Park. They’re also scheduled to go again at Ibrox come December 29th.
Whilst the experience certainly didn’t scare the Rangers manager, Gerrard has stated what made the experience so special.
“I enjoyed this moment. Unfortunately, we lost. We did not believe it enough. It was also the first Old Firm for most of my young players. This experience will help us to be better.
“It’s similar (Merseyside derby vs Old Firm), but the atmosphere is different too. There is a religious and political context here that gives the derby another dimension.
“It’s complicated to explain. You have to live it to understand it. On the day, it’s only that which exists. It seems that life stops in Glasgow.”
Learning on the job
It seems to take participating in it to understand the true context of this famous rivalry of ours. Only by being there as a player, manager, or fan, can you truly understand the hatred and bitterness the two have for each other.
Whilst there is a sad and distasteful element in it all, there’s so many plus points about the fixture. The passion each side have for their club is unrivaled anywhere in the world, and you get the sense that Gerrard knows it.
It’s also interesting to hear a manager of either openly touch on the religious and political background to the rivalry. Whilst you can argue whether that’s good or bad, it certainly adds to that fueled passion.
In terms of the match itself back in September, Gerrard’s Rangers were simply woeful. They couldn’t get near their rivals on the day, and only profligate finishing from Celtic stopped it being an even worse result.
The club look in a better place now than they were back then, and will fancy their chances of taking the game to their rivals back at Ibrox. It’s a colossal match, with the Gers looking to end a dismal run of 12 derby fixtures without a win.
It’s a game that means so much, and Gerrard appears to have now learned just how much.
