Steven Gerrard talks Rangers 'noise', the need for tactical variety and return of Ryan Kent

The Rangers manager, looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Motherwell at Fir Park, also discussed the fashion in which his team have responded to setbacks so far this season.

Gerrard was quick to remind the media of his team's record after a question about their actions in adversity. Citing the fact that it is a "pleasure" to work with a team that has lost one league game in the last 50.

On the need for more tactical variety

“In certain parts. From an attacking point of view, we need to have more variety and give opposition teams different issues and problems to think about.

“We have certain principles of play and certain non-negotiables that don’t change whatever your system, whatever your personnel.

“So when I’m alluding to our identity, it’s more getting back into that. Once you get your principles right, I believe we’ve got the variety and the personnel to throw different issues and problems at teams.

“It is something we are working on and working towards but these things don’t happen overnight. That’s the challenge and opportunity, especially when there are certain things to address and fix.

“We see it on the inside as an opportunity to get better and improve. We don’t really worry too much that too much is wrong or listen to opinions on the outside. Because if you do, you think the world’s going to end very shortly.”

READ MORE: 3 Rangers issues and why the time has come for Steven Gerrard to get radical

Gerrard’s response to The Rangers Review is interesting. Having referenced the need to fix certain issues after a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen – it appears increasing variation in the forward areas is on that agenda.

But that all comes from getting the principles right - which should allow a platform to play.

The Rangers Review has covered the tactical identity, philosophy and development of the side at length. Gerrard of course managed to impact the win at St Mirren by adapting in-game to counteract the hosts' game plan.

The re-introduction of players should freshen up options. After all, a formation can play out completely different depending on which players fulfil which roles.

The return of Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack

“Ryan Kent is outside and if he clears this session he should come back and join the group. Ryan Jack is looking better and closer, but I think Motherwell won’t be the right decision for either of those players. They are extremely close and I am sure you’ll see them both before the international break.

“Missing a player of Ryan Kent’s quality, what he gives on both sides of the game, is always going to have an effect. It’s always going to be a challenge for other people to step in because of his high quality and his standards. We are really looking forward to welcoming him back and he’s not too far away.

“He’s trained well and he’s worked extremely hard to get back and hopefully he can find his feet quickly and help us be a little bit more consistent and get in our rhythm.”

The return of both Ryan’s will undoubtedly be significant for the team. The former’s pace, ability to always receive the ball and unpredictability has been sorely missed this past month. 

As referenced, it's hard to mirror his impact - simply because no replacement is at his level.

Jack’s return, whenever he gets up to match sharpness, will see another leader return to the matchday squad. His defensive qualities could prove particularly useful over the next few months.

On his squad not 'coming out fighting' after setbacks

"I will have to have a different opinion on that than yourself, if that is your own personal opinion.  

“I think if you listen to a lot of stuff on social media and outside noise sitting in my position, I think your point is certainly believable.

"From the inside, I see a group of boys that are willing to work hard and fight as hard as they can. It is an absolute pleasure to work with a team that has lost one league domestic game in 50. I haven’t heard that or seen that written on the outside. I think sometimes it is a case of perception but, in my job, I believe is a lot of fight, a lot of characters, a lot of good players in my group and I have got every belief and confidence that we can move forward.

"Yes, we have got issues to fix and address. Yes, we have had some challenging times and setbacks, fixtures and results together. I always like to be honest. But what I would say is that your personal opinion has come from perception and noise from the outside of this group.”

Gerrard’s framing of one defeat in 50 is important. The draw against Aberdeen was disappointing but an avenue back into the game was discovered. Having found ways to win again and again this season, he was naturally keen to argue the case for his side.

Being the manager of this group, Gerrard is exposed to the ongoing of it everyday. While of course, he has an agenda – the manager always appears to be honest when speaking to the media. Not hiding from issues.

Evidently, he is of the opinion that winning when not at their best demonstrates the squad's character. Which in turn suggests they have fought back from challenges exactly as hoped.

On Michael Beale speculation

“Not to my knowledge has there been any approach.

“I have been with Michael all morning and he hasn’t mentioned it from a personal point of view and the club haven’t brought it to me. So I assume it’s speculation at the moment.

“In terms of do I think Cardiff would be interested in Michael Beale and other teams for that matter? One hundred per cent because he’s top at his job.”

Beale has been reportedly linked to Cardiff City, but Gerrard's reaction seems to discount that as merely rumour.

The first-team coach is highly respected, his manager has on more than one occasion referenced his expertise and today reaffirmed that interest will come for a coach who is 'top' at his job.

The impact made by substitutes in midweek

“I thought all three of our subs against Aberdeen had a positive impact. Scotty came on and was really brave, he nearly got us that winning goal when he smashed into the post.

“He’s been training a lot more like Scotty Arfield and has given me a lot to think about at the moment - which we expect. Because when I do challenge Scott, he always comes back stronger, credit to him.

READ MORE: Fashion Sakala's surprise Rangers ability and why Cedric Itten's departure may have been prompted by it

“Fashion’s appearance against Aberdeen was a lot more positive than it was against St Mirren. He needs to build on that and not just be an impact player.

“He is someone who can break into the team and play 90 minutes and find a consistency in his game.

“Probably similar to Scott Wright, who again came on and looked lively and aggressive against Aberdeen. So the subs have given me something to think about."

Arfield has featured fleetingly so far - but let's not forget the impact he made after breaking into the side last season.

Greater competition can only help the squad. That goes too for Sakala. He didn't manage to impact the space on show against St Mirren, but regained possession before winning a penalty in midweek.

Perhaps it will come as no surprise if both or either start at the weekend.