Rangers are going to end up trophyless in Steven Gerrard’s first season in charge, but the English manager has shown moments of promise with this team. Getting into the Europa League main draw and coming on the verge of qualification from the group stages would the highlight of the season for the Gers. Another highlight would be their win against Celtic at Ibrox in December.
The Old Firm derby is here again as both the teams will square up against each other for one final time this season. Rangers would be keen to get a win as they are at home and to show the world that they are not too far off Celtic at the moment. Here are three things which Gerrard needs to do to ensure Rangers get a win against Celtic.
Pressing high and starting off the blocks quickly
Gerrard was recently pictured watching the Liverpool game at Anfield against Barcelona where the Reds came back from the dead to achieve a win. There is no doubt that Gerrard would want something similar from his team when they square up against Celtic.
Their key to the win at Ibrox in December was also similar to what Liverpool did against Barcelona. The manager needs to make sure that his team are off the blocks quickly. Someone like Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham who are technically very good players weren’t allowed any breathing space in that game, and they were rushed into making mistakes. Gerrard should follow it up with something similar and press them high, and the crowd is going to be right behind the home side.
Staying disciplined
Having 11 men on the pitch for the full 90 minutes has been an issue for Gerrard this season. In a game of this nature, one can understand when tempers flare up, but the players need to make sure that they show their anger and frustration with their football. The main culprit Alfredo Morelos is unlikely to start the game after what happened in the last derby. Gerrard should make it loud and clear to his players that they shouldn’t be letting the emotion of the situation get the better of them during the game.
Allowing Ryan Kent the freedom in the final third
There is no doubt that the English winger is going to be a crucial player for Gerrard in this game as he can change the tie in a matter of seconds. Kent is likely to start as a left winger, but we have seen how devastating he can be if he gets on the ball in central areas and is allowed to run at centre backs. Therefore Gerrard should give him the freedom to have a free role in the final third and not just stick him on the left flank for most of the game. Think of something on the lines of what Eden Hazard does for Chelsea.
