Rangers manager Steven Gerrard had something to say about the way Borna Barisic reacted to an apparent injury late on in Sunday’s friendly at home to Helsinki.
The match against the Finnish side was a great opportunity for the Ibrox boss to give his team a run out after Friday’s match away to Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup was postponed.
The 3-2 win was a nice confidence booster ahead of Scottish Premiership matches to come.
One worrying aspect of the match was the way Borna Barisic appeared to go down injured late in the game, prompting questions from RangersTV to Gerrard after the game.
The manager said of his condition: ““I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Borna. He had me worried because he tapped the floor about 55 times, but I’m not sure, you’ll have to ask Borna. He looks like he’s moving okay now.”
He didn’t sound best pleased and fans think it could be a sign that Gerrard is looking for the Croatian to toughen up and shake off such knocks.
Does Barisic have to prove himself to his manager?
These supporters took to Twitter to discuss the comments…
Doesn't sound best pleased with Barisic. https://t.co/fmtrDoTPSU
— Iain (@CemetryGates89) January 20, 2019
Odd comments from SG regards Barisic but overall he seemed happy enough https://t.co/2R1e84CECw
— Richard McLuckie (@Acemcl) January 20, 2019
I’d imagine Barisic isn’t going to feature much going forward 👀. Gerrard doesn’t seem pleased at all.
— 𝕷𝖊𝖊 💀⚓️ (@Whatsunnn_) January 20, 2019
Seems very frustrated with Barisic, looks like he wants him to toughen up.
— Andrew (@bluenose_72) January 20, 2019
Gerrard looked annoyed with the Barisic injury in his post match interview.
— Rangers Banter (@RangersBanter17) January 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/Jameyc11/status/1086998317635117056
Gerrard sounding frustrated with Barisic now. https://t.co/mabAPapOik
— Ewan Ferguson (@Ewan_Ferguson) January 20, 2019