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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Mark McDougall

The Steven Gerrard Rangers mentality fuelling 'dynasty' hopes as he declares 55 'launchpad'

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has declared winning 55 as a 'launchpad' to go and get more success in the coming years.

And he wants to build a dynasty at Ibrox as he gave an insight into his demands that even include staff games.

Gerrard and his coaching staff have regularly played against amateur teams to keep themselves fit but his winning mentality is still there and he's fizzing if things don't go right.

He admits he's given his colleagues the hairdryer treatment after games when they lose but it's those demands that have taken Rangers back to the top.

The Liverpool legend expects the best in training and on the pitch and it's certainly been the case this year as they clinched the title.

In an interview with the Times, he was asked about creating a dynasty and replied: "That's the challenge. '55' is over for me. It should be the launchpad to go and get more. We've had great backing from the board.

"We play staff games [against other teams, occasionally at Ibrox] and I have to win or the staff get a dressing down in this office.

"When I'm training, I'm demanding. I don't let anyone get away with dropping standards but I want to be approachable. I want the players to enjoy working for me."

Many great ex-players struggle in management because they become frustrated that the players they coach can't do things they found easy.

But Gerrard insists he can't expect that and insists he has gathered a squad of players who can do things he can't as he rhymed off the individual talents of Ryan Kent, Steven Davis and Alfredo Morelos.

He added: "You park that up when you start coaching. It's not about me any more. I'm not judging them on what Steven Gerrard's done. A lot of people in that group can do stuff I couldn't.

"I couldn't twist defenders inside out like Ryan Kent. I can't 'body' [roll away from] people like Alfredo Morelos. I haven't got the finesse of Steven Davis or the charisma of Scott Arfield, who gives off good vibes and will go in the trenches for you.

"They ask Jermain Defoe a lot about his career. Jermain's been incredible. I don't think he realises what he's done. I think Jermain's judging this on appearances and goals which is understandable but we went for Defoe for many reasons. He's a standard-setter, someone for the guys to look up to, someone to draw other people to the club."

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