Steven Gerrard delivers Rangers and Celtic title verdict as Aston Villa boss stuck in race for Premiership flag
Steven Gerrard admits he’s glued to the Scottish Premiership title race – and prays the trophy stays at Ibrox.
The former Rangers boss left for Aston Villa after leading the club to a historic 55th Championship last season.
Gerrard’s side went unbeaten in the league and prevented Old Firm rivals Celtic from winning 10 games in a row.
He is now back in the Premier League with Villa but backs Gio van Bronckhorst’s side to retain the flag.
Exclusively Mailsport interview, Gerrard said: “They’re involved in a really exciting title race right now and I can’t wait to watch it to see how it progresses.
“Obviously I hope the trophy ends up at Ibrox.
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“It’s different watching it from afar. When you work for Rangers, you get that connection with the fans.
“The club has done me good. I respect and appreciate that they gave me a great opportunity. Aston Villa’s luck came from Rangers so I have nothing but respect for the people there.
Gerrard’s departure stunned Rangers fans in November after four years at the club. But the significance of this title triumph will never be lost on the former Liverpool and England star.
And he praised his former Ibrox players for becoming champions under what Gerrard considers a unique level of pressure. He said, “In my last year there, to do that [go unbeaten]the players showed great consistency under pressure.
“We knew we couldn’t be wrong. There was a lot at stake; more than any normal league campaign.
“So I’m really proud of the achievement and proud of the guys.
“We celebrated a year ago and I have fantastic memories of that day. It was a great experience for me. Those memories will stay with me for a long time. I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone by.
“Now it’s the club’s 150th anniversary and I want to warmly congratulate Rangers on that. I wish them every success in the future.
Gerrard feels he has built something special at Rangers, including the title win and progress in Europe.
The gaffer now hopes he can replicate the success he had at Ibrox with his last club.
He said: “To create a good winning team, it takes time. Everybody must
be patient here.
“We took over the team in a difficult situation. We are in a better situation now, but everyone has to keep pushing the players in the right direction.