Why Steven Gerrard believes his Rangers team are 'on the verge of something special' as boss hits special milestone

Steven Gerrard greets supporters at Ibrox on the day he was unveiled as Rangers manager in May 2018. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

One of them should happen in a matter of weeks when his team rack up the seven points they still need to secure a momentous 55th domestic title triumph for the Ibrox club.

It will be the first tangible measure of success for Gerrard since his official starting date in the role back on June 1, 2018. But as his third season in charge approaches its climax, the 40-year-old is gratified that the trials and tribulations which have punctuated his tenure have been the making of him as a manager.

The changing man

Steven Gerrard looks on as Rangers beat Dundee United 4-1 at Ibrox last Sunday, his 103rd victory in 156 matches as manager of the club so far.(Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

“I have certainly evolved and learned a lot in the short space of time I’ve been here,” said Gerrard.

“Sitting here right now, I have still not become a success. There is still work to do to try and achieve that.

“But without a doubt I feel I am a better manager, a better coach, a better person for my experience here at Rangers.

“I knew what I was signing up to. I knew it wasn’t all going to be an upwards and forward journey. I knew it was going to be a journey full of experiences, good and bad.

Rangers playmaker Joe Aribo battles for possession with Jordan Lukaku of Royal Antwerp during the first leg of the Europa League round of 32 tie in Belgium last week. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“I have loved it, loved every minute of it. I’m looking to the future but without a doubt the experience has made me better for it.

“I feel like we are on the verge of something special here. We just have to be patient and keep doing what we’ve been doing since the first day of this season.

“That’s performing at a very consistent level. It was never going to change overnight in year one. Even with all the hard work and sacrifices we made in years one and two, we have been preparing for this moment.

“Now it’s about grabbing that and rewarding ourselves for what we’ve put into this - not just me, but my staff and everyone together.

Effective with just about every touch, and every one showed a touch of class. A real creative exhibition from Aribo and example of his capabilities throughout - despite a deeper role early on . Deserved a goal that was so nearly credited to him then took matters into his own control and scored a screamer.

A united front

“The big thing we have put in place here is we have made everyone aligned from top to bottom. We want to go and reward ourselves for all the hard work everyone has put in.

“We have to finish it off, get over those last obstacles in our way. Teams are not going to make it easy for us. We have to execute the final part.

“If we do, everyone at this club will have earned the right to savour it and enjoy it.

“I’m not described as an experienced manager, I’m trying to become one.

“There were always going to be things from a personal point of view that I maybe got wrong throughout this.

“The one big learning thing for me is to try and remain balanced, whatever the result is. Just try and stay in the same place - not get too carried away or get too down.

“I’m one who uses setbacks and tough days to make me stronger and more determined. I’m someone who loves a challenge.

“We are all together here. No-one is looking forward to the day when it does come more than me but we will share it together.

“The most important people are the supporters. They’re the ones who have been on the journey from day one. They’ve had more tough days than me, so for me it’s all about them.”

No ordinary Joe

While it has long been a case of when, rather than if Rangers dethrone Celtic as Scottish champions, the pursuit of further European progress remains just as significant from Gerrard’s perspective in defining this campaign.

He has promised his team will not attempt to simply protect their 4-3 first leg lead over Royal Antwerp when the Europa League last 32 tie is concluded at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

Rangers will seek to book their place in Friday’s last 16 draw in style, adopting a front-foot approach in which the in-form Joe Aribo will be a key component.

The Nigerian international spent a frustrating spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury last August, missing 10 games, but has grown in influence for Gerrard’s side with some scintillating displays in recent weeks.

“Don’t forget how good Joe Aribo was before the injury,” said Gerrard. “He’s still a very young player, he’s learning a lot, he’s growing. He’s getting more confidence and belief in himself.

“He’s a lot stronger and more powerful than the boy who walked in the door. He is someone who has worked ever so hard, not just on the technical and tactical side, but also physically in the gym.

“We’ve been ever so pleased with Joe. He experienced a tough injury, the first of his career, and that knocks you a bit.

“He’s now back to the real Joe Aribo and that’s a top player, without a shadow of a doubt. We are lucky to have him here at Rangers.

“I’m delighted that when he had a decision to make back in the day, when I had to drive to London and sit down with him and his family, that he decided to pick Rangers. We are certainly benefitting from that now.

“He is showing his power, his strength and when he’s at his best, he is unplayable. He’ll be a big factor when we get that success here.”

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