Steven Gerrard has been able to get the best out of many players at Rangers this season. From Alfredo Morelos to Scott Arfield, the Englishman’s Midas touch has been on display all season long.
However, one man has struggled for form this term is Kyle Lafferty. He’s only made a handful of appearances for the Gers so far this season, and with good reason. He just hasn’t been good enough.
Now, Gerrard has sent a message to the striker in an effort to get the best out of him. As per the Scottish Sun, he said: “Kyle’s just got to keep his head down and work as hard as he can. There will be opportunities in the short, medium and long term for him. We still think he can contribute here and he’s got a big part to play”.
Clearly, Gerrard is attempting to motivate the player, and he’s certainly going the right way about it. The worst thing Gerrard could have done is left the forward out against Livingston and made him sweat on his future
However, by coming out and admitting his reasoning behind the decision and explaining his future plans, Lafferty has been given a path to success. Will that path begin tonight against Cowdenbeath? That remains to be seen.
If he’s able to turn his form around by working hard on the training field, there’s still a future for him at Ibrox. However, if he continues to stumble, his time under Gerrard is only going to end one way.
This is another example of Gerrard’s brilliant man management, and it’s further evidence that he’s the perfect man for the job at Ibrox.
Thoughts?