Steven Gerrard has spoken out about the potential exit of his rival Brendan Rodgers, a man who he was incredibly close to during their time at Liverpool. Now he is set to lose his managerial mentor from the Scottish Premier League as Rodgers moves south of the border.
Gerrard told the gathered media in his press conference:
“I have worked with Brendan so I know he is a very good coach. It seems (the lure of Premier League has been a big factor) otherwise he’d have declined the opportunity to talk to Leicester.
“I’m not really surprised by the timing because these things happen. Brendan has done ever so well at Celtic over the years so it’s no surprise that other clubs are watching him and wanting to acquire his services.”
Celtic have been the dominant force in Scotland for almost a decade now but Rodgers took that dominance to a new level. In fact, the club are still on to win the domestic treble-treble, winning the SPL title, and both cups for three years in a row.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers could close the gap at the top of the SPL to just five points with a win over Dundee and keeping the pressure up on their title rivals is crucial, given the uncertain circumstances Celtic find themselves in.
Gerrard continued:
“The reaction since St Johnstone has been very good,
I have been more impressed with the hunger of the groups, there is always a danger the players think they can just turn up but they have to show the same intensity.
“We have shown a very good reaction and played with a lot of freedom.
“Alfredo (Morelos) is available tomorrow, (Andy) Halliday and (Matt) Polster are both doubts, I had hoped to include Polster tomorrow.
“Halliday has been excellent, every job I have asked him to do he does well. He has been a leader on and off the pitch and it’s great to have him here.”