Rangers manager Steven Gerrard came in for some heavy criticism at the weekend after his side were knocked out of the Betfred Cup at Hampden Park. Aberdeen beat the Gers 1-0 but it was a lacklustre performance that prompted Gerrard to slate his forwards after the game.
He said at the time: "We got into some good positions and either made the wrong decision or showed a serious lack of quality. If these players don't step up, it's simple at a big club: the manager goes and finds better quality."
These comments were interpreted differently by several journalists but when one asked Jordan Rossiter to clarify what this meant for the players at a press conference, the former Liverpool captain bit back.
"I’ll answer that," he interrupted. “It’s a warning. That’s for me – not him. He’s been injured for two years. At a big club, we expect big players to step up on big occasions and provide big moments. If that doesn’t happen, at any big club, the managers and the recruitment will find better players or players who will do that."
Gerrard gave the reporter in question a cheeky grin to lighten the mood after his firm answer. His side face high-flying Kilmarnock tomorrow night before taking on St Mirren at the weekend as Rangers look to keep their title hopes alive in a tricky part of the season.
Hearts currently have a five-point cushion at the top of the SPL after a scintillating start to the season has seen them win eight of their opening ten games. Celtic can close that gap to three points if they beat Dundee tomorrow night.
Watch Gerrard’s firm reply below.
