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Steven Gerrard savored his first title as a Rangers coach and insisted it was just the beginning.
Ibrox’s team’s victory over St Mirren, along with Celtic’s draw against Dundee United, confirmed the Light Blues’ first major trophy in a decade.
On the line while undefeated and still with six games to play, Gerrard confounded expectations of an exciting finale to the campaign by leading the club to its 55th title in the first week of March.
And on Sunday night, the exultant Rangers boss, who had previously endured two seasons without a trophy, savored the moment but was already looking towards presiding over a prolonged period of success with the Glasgow giants.
“It is very difficult to put into words at the moment,” he said. ‘I am on a real emotional level and it has been a journey that has not ended.
‘There’s more to come and what’s next for me, when you win, it’s always about what’s next. I am very proud of the players above all, they are the most important people within the club.
‘I always said that the first would be the hardest. But I’m hungry for more and I hope my players share it with me. If they do, it will be an exciting time to be a Rangers fan.
“For me, the priority is to let this sink in and realize what a monumental achievement it is. But that has to make you hungry for more. I’m already thinking about what’s next. I want more and that is my drive every day.
“Since I was young, all I want to do is win and win soccer games. I want to have moments like this in the dressing room. That’s what it’s all about. ‘
The victory over the Buddies on Saturday almost ensured that the Rangers were champions, and the final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the players.
“I don’t think as long as I represent this club there will never be three bigger points,” Gerrard reflected. “It was an emotional day, arriving at Ibrox and seeing the scenes. It was an incredible feeling.
“This club has been to hell and back for the last ten years. I’ve only been a part of this for three, but I can certainly relate and I have that affection with the fans. ”
Gerrard took over in 2018 with Celtic already seven times champions and the Rangers unable to finish third in the table.
Reflecting on the two seasons that brought progress but not the trophies fans craved, he added: ‘My top priority was connecting everyone at the club, from the board to the team and everyone around us.
“We have amazing people here who work for this soccer club.
“I have to mention the players who have come and gone and helped in the process. Rangers fans like Andy Halliday, I need to check his name. They have all done their part and we will not forget them.
But now it’s about the followers. They have been through a lot and this is their time. And I’m really proud to have played my part in that. ”
Although completing the league campaign without losing is now an obvious goal, Rangers’ minds will soon turn to the Scottish Cup and, more immediately, the Europa League, ahead of their last 16 away games with Slavia Prague on Thursday.
“We have to focus because there are many important games to come and we want more,” Gerrard stressed.
“We need to enjoy this and prepare for the next challenge. Glasgow Rangers is about winning and we all live under that pressure and responsibility, but it’s about what’s next and it’s about me preparing these players for what’s to come.
“I want to get into the knockout stages of the Europa League and that’s the next challenge.”
Matches with the Czechs will come too soon for captain James Tavernier to return after sustaining a knee injury at Royal Antwerp, but Gerrard revealed that there is a chance that he will return to action at Celtic Park in a fortnight.
“He has another chance,” added the coach. ‘Obviously, depending on what happens from now until that game, it will depend on whether he is selected or not.
“But what I will say is that young Nathan Patterson, after a difficult week and a big mistake he made, has been absolutely fantastic in terms of his performances.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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