The rift/split/disharmony in the camp at Ibrox was perfectly summed up in the closing minutes of today’s win over Ross County.
With the clock ticking down Steven Gerrard opted to play safe. Nikola Katic was sent on for Alfredo Morelos with the Colombian even more angry than usual.
As his contorted face made its way towards the touchline he turned towards the away support where barely a dozen fans were singing his name.
In the visitors dug out the reaction wasn’t lukewarm, it was stony cold. No one waited on Alfie, no one shook his hand, clapped him on the back, threw him a jacket to keep warm. It seemed like no one cared.
When the gaffer is unhappy there is usually an assistant or first team coach offering some token appreciation. But not for Morelos today.
This season Gerrard has praised his top scorer through gritted teeth, when asked in media conferences about transfer speculation he has refused to play ball. No offers for ‘fredo.
Seven red cards in 17 months are something that the Ibrox boss could do without.
Only his European record is keeping Gerrard in a job, during the group stage he watched his side score eight goals. Six from Morelos, one from Sheyi Ojo and one from Steve Davis. Without the troublesome Colombian Gerrard would be back in a television studio counting down to Liverpool’s first ever EPL title success alongside Jamie Carragher or Steve McManaman.
The recent suspension after returning late from Colombia seems to have finally fractured the relationship between manager and leading scorer.
Peace between the two men looks uneasy, the next fortnight could see things breakdown entirely, spectacularly.
Morelos carrying an extra stone, first touch like Gerrard v Chelsea. Can’t header, can’t score, wouldn’t get a game in the championship.
— Henrik Edouardsson (@Celtic_3x3) March 8, 2020
Morelos blanks management, something has happened in dubai he did not even look at Gerrard
— Bipolar Rangers ??? (@hajiloyal10) March 8, 2020
No handshake between Morelos or gerrard ?
— ??????? (@67_Paddy) March 8, 2020
I’d get rid of most of the players before Gerrard. Morelos won’t kick another ball, well I suppose he isn’t at the moment, for a start.
— Spougie Dark (@Ukulele20) March 8, 2020
The fact Gerrard is watching this and thought taking Hagi off was the best thing to do leaving Invisible Morelos and Kent on is baffling.
— STFN LSL (@STFNLSL) March 8, 2020