Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has admitted that he is hoping to tap into Carlo Ancelotti’s vast knowledge when he shares a touchline with the legendary Real Madrid boss on Sunday – calling it a “pleasure” to welcome him to Ibrox this weekend.
The Gers round off their pre-season preparations with games against Brighton and Madrid this weekend and Gerrard confessed it was a “surprise” to see the Italian leave Everton.
The Rangers boss has been watching old tapes of Ancelotti during his prime as a player too and admitted his admiration for him on and off the pitch, hailing his contribution to the sport over his career as “incredible.”
“I must admit, it was a surprise [when Carlo left Everton], but I’m not complaining,” Gerrard told ESPN. “He was the manager at my big rivals and was doing a superb job — he’s one of the best managers in the world he has been for some time.
“I’ve experienced playing against him and it will be an absolute pleasure to share a touchline with him and to try and learn and tap into his knowledge if I get the opportunity because he is someone I have looked up to for a long time.
“I have watched a lot of footage of him as a player as well and what he has given to this sport is incredible. He’s a winner as a player and a manager, so it will be a pleasure to have him at Ibrox.”
Rangers boss has made huge strides as a manager in his own right
As Gerrard prepares to take charge of his fourth season as a manager, the improvement in the Rangers boss is remarkable.
Testing himself against the likes of Ancelotti can only help his development as a manager and continue his growth into one of Europe’s top young bosses.
While Rangers fans have long since steeled themselves for the day Gerrard leaves Ibrox, it won’t be a surprise if the interest in luring him away becomes more frequent in the coming months.
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