Rangers icon Mark Hateley has backed Steven Gerrard to trim the Ibrox squad and focus on signing higher-calibre players during the summer transfer window, via The Scottish Sun.
But the former Gers striker has warned Gerrard that trimming the fringes will risk leaving the side short next season. Hateley notes how the Glasgow outfit will be looking to challenge for silverware in multiple competitions after winning the Premiership last term.
Rangers are also returning to the Champions League, and will compete in two two-legged qualifiers in the hope of reaching the group stage for the first time since 2010/11. Although Gerrard knows how to balance Europe and domestic action after last season’s successes.
Rangers reached the Last 16 of the Europa League for the second season running. Gerrard will now hope to go further in the Champions League than the Gers managed in 2011/12. The Ibrox outfit failed to reach that season’s group stage, before a six-year European hiatus.
But Hateley warns Gerrard that he risks Rangers burning out with a thin squad. Even if the 1993/94 Premiership top-scorer feels a smaller but higher-calibre team is the right option.
“Steven Gerrard was talking about trimming the squad to a smaller number with better quality, which I agree with 100 per cent,” Hateley said. “But there is also a balancing act.
“Because if you’re going to go for this competition and that competition, then you need people who can come in. Rangers have a great foundation right now with some great players. You can see they have gone to international level, and they are lapping that up.”
Cup competitions were a missed opportunity for Gerrard and Rangers last season
Rangers dominated the Premiership last season and impressed in the Europa League, but Hateley is right to warn Gerrard of the risk of burnout with a thin squad. Especially if the Gers want to challenge across multiple fronts, having fallen short in the domestic cups.
St Mirren stunned the Ibrox natives in the League Cup in December to end Rangers’ 27-game unbeaten run. Gerrard made a handful of changes for the Buddies contest, which they dominated in most, but was punished for failing to put the game away.
St Johnstone later had the beating of Rangers in the Scottish Cup on penalties in April, too. Gerrard made five changes for that clash and needed James Tavernier to score deep into extra-time for his side’s only effort.
Gerrard will surely fear another year of missed opportunities in the domestic cups if he cannot rotate his Rangers squad. Especially with the prospect of a big payday from progressing in the Champions League, along with defending the Premiership.
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