Rangers defender Nikola Katic was hauled off on Sunday afternoon
Former Rangers assistant boss Archie Knox has told the Daily Mail that he likes Steven Gerrard’s management so far – and praised his decision to substitute Nikola Katic against Hamilton Academical.
The Gers took a gamble appointing Gerrard as their new manager at the end of last season, as he had just one year of coaching Liverpool’s Under-18’s to his name, but he has impressed so far.
After revamping his squad with 15 signings and 25 departures, Gerrard has won 12 of his 21 games in charge, losing just twice whilst turning Rangers into title contenders again.
Gerrard has even taken Rangers into the group stage of the Europa League, and with a home game against Spartak Moscow coming up on Thursday, it’s another chance for Rangers to show their progress under the former England international.
Now, former Rangers assistant manager Archie Knox has discussed Gerrard, and believes he is managing like ‘the old brigade’ at Ibrox, approaching management the same way he played the game.
Knox noted that he has been impressed with Gerrard’s message, that you must train well and work hard to get a game, and if you fall short of his standards, then you simply won’t play.
That has been seen with a lack of football for loan striker Umar Sadiq, but Knox highlighted Gerrard’s decision to substitute defender Nikola Katic in the 4-1 win over Hamilton on Sunday, as Knox criticised the Croatian for not having his best game, and believes Gerrard made the right decision in taking him off.
“I know Steven Gerrard doesn’t have managerial experience but he has so much football experience,” said Knox. “He captained Liverpool, won over 100 caps for England and captained them as well, so I think everyone will have been in awe of him. His approach to management will be the same as he approached playing. He will do it the same way. There will be sports science and all that stuff, but with him I think it’s the old brigade kicking in at Rangers.”
“You go to training, you get on with training and if you don’t work at the level which is needed then you won’t get a game. I have seen that within Gerrard so far. It comes through loud and clear that he’s that way inclined. Plus, the fact if you don’t perform – and the lad (Nikola) Katic didn’t have his best game at Hamilton on Sunday – then you’ll get taken off. He knows how to deal with players and, while he gives off a calmness, when the goals are scored he is really up for it. He has that passion,” he added.
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