Steven Gerrard admits he’s glued to the Scottish Premiership title race – and praying 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 team went unbeaten in the league and stopped Old Firm rivals Celtic winning 10 In A Row.
He’s now back in the Premier League with Villa but rooting for Gio van Bronckhorst’s side to retain the flag.
In an exclusive Mailsport interview, Gerrard said: “They’re involved in a really exciting title race right now and I’m looking forward to watching it to see how it progresses.
“Obviously, I hope the trophy ends up back at Ibrox.
“It’s different watching it from afar. When you work for Rangers, you get that connection with the supporters.
“The club was good for me. I respect and appreciate that they gave me a big opportunity. The Aston Villa chance came off the back of 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 that 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 believes was a unique level of pressure. He said: “In my final year there, to do that [go unbeaten], the players showed a high level of consistency under pressure.
“We knew that we couldn’t get it wrong. There was a lot at stake; more than just any normal league campaign.
“So I’m really proud of the achievement and proud of the lads.
“We celebrated a year ago and I have fantastic memories of that day. It was a big experience for me. Those memories will stay with me for a long time. I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone.
“Now it’s the club’s 150th year and I want to say a big congratulations to Rangers for that. I wish them all the success in the future.”
Gerrard feels he built something special at Rangers which included the title win and progress in Europe.
The gaffer now hopes he can replicate the success he had at Ibrox with his latest club.
He said: “To create a good, winning team you need time. Everyone has to
be patient here.
“We took over the team in a difficult situation. We’re in a better one now but everyone needs to keep pushing the players in the right direction.”
