Steven Gerrard hits back at 'cheap' criticism of how Rangers react to major victories

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard admits he and his players “have got it wrong at times” with their response to high profile wins achieved so far during his tenure.

Gerrard attracted some criticism last December with his exuberant celebrations directly into a TV camera following Rangers’ Old Firm victory at Celtic Park, while former Celtic striker Chris Sutton branded dressing-room footage of the Ibrox squad revelling in their Europa League play-off win over Galatasaray last month as ‘embarrassing’.

But Gerrard has accused those who have found fault with that conduct of hypocrisy and insists his squad will retain their humility in pursuit of success while making no apologies for celebrating the milestone moments they are able to enjoy along the way.

"I think it’s quite cheap for certain individuals to say that at times we get too excited,” said Gerrard. “They have to remember that they have as well. They’ve done similar things to what we’ve done.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is hoping his players will have cause for celebration on Thursday night when they face Benfica at Ibrox in the Europa League. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

“Humility is a value that I have always tried to come close to because it is an emotional game and can get the better of you, whether you’re a player celebrating a win or on the back of a setback.

"Certainly, that’s been the case in my first few years in management. You live and learn and at times we’ve got it wrong but we make no apologies for getting over-excited at times. This is a pressure environment with big responsibility and sometimes you have to lose yourself in that but, in terms of being humble and respectful, it’s something I’ve tried to pride myself on throughout my career in the main. I’ll try and do that as a manager and I expect everyone else to try and do the same. The words ‘humble’ and ‘respect’ need to remain at this club forever, not just now and in the short term.

"Players are human beings and it’s an emotional game. We’re a team and we’re individuals and there are times we want the players to celebrate and enjoy themselves when they’re on the back of a big result or they get over a big hurdle. We’re humans on a big journey and we’ve got to enjoy the ride as well.”

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