Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard once told his players in no uncertain terms where his priorities lay after walking in on a dressing room conversation
AD DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 29: Steven Gerrard head coach of Al Ettifaq is interviewed before the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ahli SFC at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on March 29, 2024 in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Elie Hokayem/Saudi Pro League via Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard left his players in no doubt over where his priorities lay(Image: Elie Hokayem, Saudi Pro League via Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard made no secret of where his managerial priorities lay during his time as Rangers boss. The Liverpool icon famously put an end to Celtic's hopes of securing 10 consecutive league titles by clinching the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership crown.
That 55th league title remains the last for Rangers, with Celtic quickly restoring their dominance north of the border. This season, Rangers are playing catch-up already after being held to draws in their first two league games and losing 3-1 at home to Club Brugge in their Champions League play-off first leg.
With new manager Russell Martin under pressure, there is speculation that Gerrard could make a sensational return to Ibrox, despite controversially departing for Aston Villa early in the 2021/22 season. He was linked with the job earlier this summer, only to pull out of the running, reportedly because he wasn't ready to move back to the UK after his spell managing Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Should Gerrard return to Rangers, he will not need reminding of the significance of stopping their Old Firm rivals. During his tenure, he once walked in on a discussion among his players about whether they would prioritise domestic or European success.
Former Rangers striker Kemar Roofe shared an intriguing insight on the Undr The Cosh podcast. He recalled: "During the season, we were having a good run in the Europa League. For me, the Europa League is so good.
"It is better than the Scottish [league], respectfully, because the standard is quite a lot higher. We always had this debate with the players, would you rather win the Europa League or win the league?
Steven Gerrard with the Scottish Premiership trophy
Gerrard made winning the league title at Rangers his priority
"For me, I wanted to win the Europa League because you might not get that chance again, not many teams can do it. The gaffer, Gerrard, he comes walking in, so we asked him. And he was saying, 'No, it's the league, we need to win the league.'
"I didn't understand it because I was new to Scottish football and Rangers. His thing was, 'We have to win this league,' mainly because of the 55 and to stop them winning 10 [in a row]."
This perspective will resonate with most Rangers supporters, who will dread the prospect of Celtic securing a fifth consecutive league title this season.
Kemar Roofe and Steven Gerrard
Roofe was a key part of Rangers' title success under Gerrard
After two draws so far, the Light Blues are aiming for their first victory of the season when they face St Mirren on Sunday. That is followed by the second leg away to Brugge, who lead 3-1, and the season's first Old Firm clash at Ibrox on August 31.
Roofe, 32, a title-winner who departed Rangers at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, is currently without a club. He spent the latter part of last season with Derby County and has been training with the Rams, who could potentially re-sign him.
Aberdeen and Doncaster Rovers have also been linked with the former Leeds United forward. During his four-and-a-half years at Rangers, Roofe gained a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be a Rangers manager.
He said: "With Rangers, to be a manager there, you have to have something about you. You have to have big shoulders. The amount of pressure to be the manager there is huge."