Rangers are in with a strong chance of lifting this season’s title
Andrea Pirlo has named Steven Gerrard among the best young coaches in European football.
Gerrard took over at Rangers in 2018 and, despite having thus far failed to secure silverware, has overseen a dramatic improvement in the club’s standards on and off the pitch.
The Ibrox club are now clear favourites for this season’s Premiership title, having established a 19-point lead over rivals Celtic at the top of the table.
Last Saturday’s 1-0 win was their third consecutive victory in the derby, and even with three games in hand Neil Lennon’s men face an uphill struggle to win a historic tenth title in a row.
Liverpool legend Gerrard also led Rangers to the top of their Europa League group this season, with a record of four wins and two draws in a group featuring Benfica, Standard Liege and Lech Poznan.
Italian icon Pirlo, who became manager of Juventus in August 2020, has now recognised Gerrard’s progress.
As quoted by Record Sport, the 2006 World Cup winner said: “There are many very young and good coaches across Europe.
“I’m talking about the likes of Steven Gerrard at Rangers, Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, Frank Lampard at Chelsea and Xavi at Al Sadd in Qatar.
“There are a lot of excellent young managers like that who are all starting their coaching journeys.”
Pirlo’s playing career ended in 2017 after two years at New York City.
Prior to his MLS stint the midfielder attained legendary status during his time at Milan and Juventus, while also accumulating 116 caps for Italy.
Gerrard has a chance to increase his profile in European football when Rangers continue their Europa League campaign in February.
They face Belgian side Royal Antwerp in the round of 32.
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