Rangers boss Steven Gerrard vows to cut out the complacency that killed him last season

Steven Gerrard has demanded that Rangers make a flying start to the new Premiership season.

His side have the small matter of making sure they finish off Progres Niederkorn in the Europa League before turning their attention to domestic matters.

But, assuming there’s no repeat of 2017’s humiliation at the hands of the Luxembourg minnows, Gerrard will then aim for a convincing victory over Kilmarnock a week today.

The Ibrox manager had the summer to reflect on why his players fell short in last season’s title bid.

His conclusion is that complacency was the reason for their failure to stop Celtic making it eight-in-a-row.

The theory that kicking off his second season with a handsome victory at Rugby Park would be a statement of intent, is something Gerrard warms to.

He said: “It would. If that happens, the important thing would be to reset and go again

“Analysing last year, there were times when we just thought we could turn up, that because we’re Rangers we would have enough to win.

“That happened against some teams like Kilmarnock, Aberdeen at times,
St Johnstone at home when we drew 0-0.

“You can’t just turn up. You’ve got to push – and I will.

“Individual mistakes killed us. So we have to be ready for every single challenge in front of us.

“With the 12 months we’ve just had, we can’t afford any complacency, or think we are anything until we go and achieve something.

“The plan is to make a fast start.

“I think if we have learned from last year, it’s important that we come out of the blocks quick and try to be as consistent as we can.

“I don’t believe we had a strong enough squad. That’s the truth because results don’t lie.

“I feel we have strengthened to a level where we should be more consistent than last year. But it’s easy to say things.

“The hard thing is for the players to get off to that fast start, to be consistent to give themselves the best chance.”

It’s understandable that a manager talks a lot about his players.

There were several occasions last season when Gerrard spoke about members of his squad not delivering what he expected.

His own performance will come under greater scrutiny the longer he remains in charge.

He arrived at Ibrox as a high-profile name in football, but also as a rookie boss.

A reputation earned over many years on the pitch meant that, barring a complete disaster, he was always going to get the benefit of the doubt during his first campaign.

The pressure is bound to intensify as Rangers fight to stop Celtic making it nine-in-row, but Gerrard accepts that.

He went on: “I knew what I was facing when I signed up for it 12 months ago.

“It will be the same, if not more, going forward. But that’s what I live for.

“That’s why I get out of bed in the morning. The day I am not up for that challenge and the pressure, the day I am not up for that responsibility, I won’t be standing here talking to you.

“I think I now know more about the league, and I know more about the opposition managers, their tactics and personnel.

“I came into a really big job, and you think you know a lot about what is coming your way.

“A lot of things didn’t surprise me, but obviously certain things did and it’s important that I reflect, learn and improve.

“I can’t be putting it all on the players.

“Other people will judge how well I’m doing and I welcome that. It’s fine, no problem.

“Me and my staff are giving everything, every hour we have to improve it and take things forward.

“I’m satisfied with where I’m at, but other people will judge where I am and where I’m going.”