Dirk Kuyt recalls Steven Gerrard anecdote that will warm Rangers hearts

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Gerrard is set to take over at Rangers from June 1.

Steven Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate Dirk Kuyt has been quoted by Goal.com as saying that he expects the former Liverpool captain to be a huge success as a manager, with Gerrard set to start work at Rangers on June 1.

Gerrard, 37, has signed a four-year deal with the Gers to take over as manager, in what is his first senior managerial position since retiring in 2016 following a short stint in America with LA Galaxy.

The Liverpool legend played alongside Dutch attacker Kuyt for six years between 2006 and 2012, before the 104-time Netherlands international left to join Fenerbahce.

Kuyt recalled a story of Gerrard’s selfless and determined attitude that will leave Rangers fans with warm hearts, but also a trait that is sure to benefit the ex-England captain in his bid to become a successful manager at Ibrox.

“At Liverpool we would have a list of the squad for the next match hanging up on the wall in the dressing room. In those days you were only allowed 16 players. Eleven starting players and five substitutes,” Kuyt said.

“In one league match I played in, I looked at the list while Gerrard was standing next to me. He looked at the list and did not see his name on it, so he just grabbed his stuff and said ‘boys, I wish you a lot of luck tomorrow.’ And he was gone.

“He showed no emotion. No shouting, no swearing, no slamming of doors. He just went home and the next time he was back for training the first thing he did was congratulate all the players for getting three points.

“He then went to train incredibly hard, already focusing on the next match.”

Gerrard has a number of issues to sort when he finally takes to the managerial office at Rangers, but his most important decision will be who to bring to Ibrox in order to close the gap between the Old Firm rivals next season.

But there are a number of first-team stars whose future must too be decided by Gerrard. The manager’s first season in senior management is expected to start very early on, with the Gers qualifying for the first qualifying round of the Europa League.