Steven Gerrard: “I must control my emotions a lot more”

Steven Gerrard has spoken about the major difference between playing for Liverpool as captain and leading Rangers as manager – it’s all about emotions.

The legendary No.8, who led Liverpool to lift the Champions League trophy in 2005, is currently masterminding Rangers’ bid for the Scottish league title, were they presently sit second behind leaders Celtic.

And the 38-year-old is learning to reign in his emotions when in the dugout as he continues to develop as a manager.

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 12: Steven Gerrard manager of Rangers looks on during the UEFA Europa League Qualifying Round match between Rangers and Shkupi at Ibrox Stadium on July 12, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

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“I have to be aware I must control my emotions a lot more,’ Gerrard said, as quoted by the Echo. “It’s not about me now. It was about me when I played. Now the challenge is to get a group as right as I can, using my journey and experiences to help them.

“Looking back, I didn’t hide it well, did I? But that’s me. You could see the pure ecstasy when I was at the top end of the dream. But the low moments? I’m not one who could put on the poker face. I never have been.

“It smacks you right in the face, the size of the job, when you have 25 fellas staring at you, waiting for every word that is going to come out of your mouth. That was completely different to having a group of kids in front of me last year.

“Away from the cameras, it’s candid and raw. I’ve never had any help in terms of public speaking.The only experience I have had is myself, as Liverpool captain, doing it off the cuff. I’ve never had any advice because I always wanted to be authentic and real.

“I don’t want someone to change me into this spokesman with big words and try to kid people on. I’m a Scouser from a council estate. I never want to lose that because it’s me. It’s the reason I’ve gone on the journey as a player and it’s the reason that I have ended up at Rangers.”

Gerrard experienced many highs and lows during his time as Liverpool player and captain, and is now determined to deliver success at Ibrox with his Rangers side.

“When I stopped playing, there was a void in my life,” he said. “But I didn’t see myself just having an easy, comfortable life. There’s time for that.

“While I feel I can help players — and while there are still opportunities to have that buzz — I’m game for a challenge. I’ll give it my best shot.

“From leaving school at 16, my life has been about football. I want to work and it has always been about preparing for that buzz at the weekend. I don’t know how this journey is going to go, but I’m hoping it will be good.

“Winning as a player is fantastic, winning as a manager now is a great buzz. Losing? There is no difference in the hurt. Winning a trophy as a player? Now that’s special, incredible.

“And I would love to be in a position where I experience that as a manager. That is what I want.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com