WHILE the smile remains intact, Steven Gerrard’s career at Rangers is forever teetering on the brink.
At a club where only winning and trophies are tolerated, Gerrard is just about keeping balance on the ever-precarious Ibrox tightrope.
Steven Gerrard knows he needs to keep his eyes on the prize and be ready to pounce should Celtic slip upCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
It was fascinating to hear the ex-England captain delivering his latest message to the assembled media ahead of tonight’s must-win clash at Kilmarnock.
He truly believes this famous club can dominate Scottish football again.
Gerrard knew what he was throwing himself into when taking the reins for his first crack at management at the start of last season.
Having lived under intense pressure for every one of his 17 years at Liverpool, the Kop icon is relishing the prospect of usurping Celtic and turning Glasgow back to blue.
A first job at a safe Championship club would have appealed but the rewards — and the thrill of the ride — could never compete.
Liverpool may be his dream job, but what better way to show you can succeed Jurgen Klopp than ending the Gers’ barren years.
Yet after a few recent hiccups, the scrutiny from an expectant fanbase is now mounting.
Not that you would notice. Gerrard looks far from ruffled.
The Liverpudlian was always going to be given more leeway by executives and supporters than a Mark Warburton or Pedro Caixinha.
ALL OR NOTHING
However, the nature of the Glasgow beast dictates you may as well finish last if you do not win the league — something Rangers have not done since 2011.
And when it comes to the Old Firm rivals, a crisis is only ever just around the corner.
A 2-1 win at Celtic Park on December 29 looked potentially season-defining, leaving Rangers two points behind with a game in hand.
They then went to Dubai for a winter break but, since returning, things have fallen flat — just like last year, when losing to Kilmarnock fatally dented their title bid.
After beating Stranraer and St Mirren, they were humiliated 2-1 on the road by rock-bottom Hearts.
And just as rival fans love to slaughter him over Demba Ba and 2014, that slip-up at Tynecastle could give Celtic fans plenty of fresh ammo if they hold on for the title.
If that were not bad enough, two games later they were held 0-0 at Ibrox by Aberdeen.
After beating Hibs 2-1 in their last Prem game to get back on track, they travel to Killie tonight seven points adrift with a game in hand.
Gerrard said: “People will compare the winter break from this to last season. I always try and be honest and open. I will sit here and say we’re fantastic when we’re not.
“I will always try and push and strive for the best I can possibly get from the players, individually and collectively. They seem to be getting there and we were terrific in the second half against Hibs. I have every confidence and belief.”
LYING IN WAIT
With an Old Firm game to come, Gerrard knows one slip from Neil Lennon’s team and they can pounce.
The Champions League-winning skipper will also fancy a tilt at Europe, with Braga to come in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Finishing second to Celtic is never an achievement and Rangers fans will not sit idly by.
Especially as the Hoops will be eyeing a tenth straight title next season — something never achieved in a major European league.
Gerrard, who agreed a two-year contract extension in December, believes Rangers can still hunt Celtic down.
But one more mistake and there may not even be a title race.
And if the trophy cabinet is not updated by the summer, the mood will change. Away from the pitch, Gerrard is a father figure, dishing out both carrot and stick to his young squad.
LEADING HIS TROOPS
Ryan Kent, sat alongside him at yesterday’s press conference, was asked about his inflammatory gun celebration at Celtic Park in December.
Sensing the headlines, Gerrard patted the 23-year-old on the back like a flash and whispered a few words.
And just like that Kent got up off his chair and scarpered.
Famed for his leadership at Anfield, his man-management skills are forever being tested by maverick Alfredo Morelos. A wonder with the ball, the hothead has picked up seven red cards since the start of last season.
On Monday, a 12-year-old Celtic fan was charged with racially abusing the Colombian in December.
But the fallout from that derby game has lasted for weeks.
Sky Sports had to apologise for incorrect subtitles during an interview with Morelos in which he appeared to accuse Celtic fans of racial abuse.
They later admitted he did no such thing — but the damage was done, and the whole episode has undoubtedly tested the inexperienced boss. On Morelos, Gerrard said: “We always support all the players across the board.
“Family is first for me always, so it’s not just with Alfredo. I had a couple of chats with him after the winter break and he seems OK.”
The players clearly love playing for someone many would have idolised as kids, and the fans have been fully on board.
But with the Liverpool job unlikely to be coming up in the near future, a bitter and damaging end at Rangers is the last thing anyone needs.
Rangers and Celtic know it is a case of all or nothing every season as they battle for the Premiership crownCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Watch Rangers star Flanagan hit four in a row as he smashes McGregor and Goldson in crossbar challenge
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
