Former Rangers defender David Weir has suggested that Steven Gerrard could face a crisis at the Light Blues if he does not win a trophy this season.
The ex-Ibrox legend was referring in particular to the Gers’ Scottish Cup quarter final clash with Aberdeen on Sunday, having seen his old side allow Celtic to strengthen their hold in the Premiership title hunt.
With a league clash against Dundee in midweek before the visit to Pittodrie, Weir says this coming week is crucial for Gerrard and his men.
As quoted in the Daily Record, Weir said: “At Rangers, the next game is always the most important. Win the next game and the picture changes. If Rangers win at Aberdeen, the picture is rosier, if they lose, it is a crisis and I’m sure Steven understands that.
“It can be season-defining, if Rangers win this game and get a trophy in the cabinet it can help build momentum going forward. Ideally, winning leagues is what Rangers are all about and is where the focus lies but a cup can go a long way towards helping that.
“It is very black and white in terms of what is success and what is failure for Rangers and Celtic, that is the reality of life in Glasgow.”
OPINION
It won’t be a crisis for Gerrard if he doesn’t win a trophy, but the overarching point that Weir makes is a fair one. There has been a desire for silverware stoked by the Gers’ recent upturn in performances under the new manager, and while their supporters will know that consistent success may still be a while off, the prospect of a domestic cup will be a slightly more realistic ambition that they will feel could ignite a much greater run. Beating Aberdeen will be no easy feat, but with Alfredo Morelos back in the squad, the Gers will feel that they are capable of winning against anybody on their day. You would hope that the Ibrox faithful will have more patience than to lose their heads should the club fail to pick up any titles this year, but certainly there is a shifted level of expectation that has come from the newfound impetus Gerrard’s tenure at the club, and while it may be too soon to hope this season, over the next couple of years, trophies will become a must.