Steven Gerrard has told his Rangers squad not to expect any favours when it comes to playing time after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee at Dens Park, stating he now knows which players he can trust.
The Gers were well below their best in the Scottish Premiership encounter, failing to bounce back from defeat against Aberdeen at Ibrox on Wednesday night.
Having climbed to the top of the table last week against Hearts, we now find ourselves two points behind Celtic having played a game more.
It’s not good enough and Gerrard knows that.
As quoted by The Scotsman, the Ibrox boss said of rotating the squad so heavily:
It won’t happen again. People knock on the door. People shake their head when they are not in the team. People are disappointed but that’s fine, that’s football.
But when you are given a chance, go and back it up, go and perform. Give me a problem and a headache. It is pretty easy, pretty straightforward for me now.
I know the players I can trust and it is a reality check today that we are not good enough to make six changes.
Clearly Gerrard was furious and while blame should undoubtedly be placed on the players’ shoulders, the managers has to take responsibility for his selections and tactics in recent matches too.
Hopefully he can find a winning blend sooner rather than later with some massive matches at home and abroad on the horizon.
We simply have to be within touching distance of Celtic when they come calling at the end of the month. If we can manage that then we can be competitive heading into the new year.
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