Steven Gerrard has opened up on plans to move players out of Ibrox this summer, as quoted by the Daily Record.
The Rangers manager has been in the job for over a year now and is approaching his third transfer window.
In January, it was very much a case of adding to the squad. There were no permanent departures during that window.
However, that looks set to change this summer.
“If there are players I don’t need, it’s easy to address that,” said Gerrard, as quoted by
“It’s easy for me. I’ll get them in the office one-to-one and say, ‘Look, this is the reality.’ I’ll be respectful and tell them as early as I can. In an ideal situation, they’ll go and find the right club for them to be happy.
“But I can’t have people hanging around my squad being a drain or energy-sapper within the group.
“My squad will be tight, small and full of people who will be playing in games and contributing to our success. If I have that conversation with someone and they decide to stay, they won’t be around my group.
“Those conversations will happen. I’ve had them before but there will be more between now and the end of the season.”
Verdict
The manager wants to move on some of the deadwood currently contracted to the club. He’s made that abundantly clear.
Reducing the wage bill will be a motivation for that. But, Gerrard has also expressed a desire to consciously reduce the size of his squad here.
That’s understandable, especially when you consider just how large a group the playing staff will be when those away on loan return next month.
If he can bring quality in and weed out those who haven’t made the grade, the Gers will be in excellent shape to mount a genuine challenge.
