Smile 26,600 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 ALFREDO MORELOS was tipped to become the first Rangers star since Ally McCoist to break the 40-goal barrier for a season. All he’s broke is boss Steven Gerrard’s heart. Left in the lurch by AWOL Morelos, as Gers crashed out of the Scottish Cup at Tynecastle last Saturday, the Ibrox boss has fired one last shot across the hitman’s bows. A categoric final warning for a player who went missing in Colombia last week and who hasn’t scored in the league in over two months. Gerrard said: “It’s not important Alfredo Morelos does the right thing for me. “It has reached the point where Alfredo needs to do it for the Rangers fans and for his own team-mates who are desperate to be a success. “This can’t be Morelos FC. This needs to be Rangers FC and every single player that represents the club needs to behave in the right way on and off the pitch. "They are paid extremely well to be professional and respectful to the club, the job and the fans. “The supporters follow them near and far every single week through all conditions. They don’t pick and choose their games. So everybody has to realise that and represent the fans in the right way. “If they don’t there will come a point where we find someone else who will do that.” Morelos, 23, was left out of Gers squad for the damaging Cup defeat to Hearts, with Gerrard admitting he would have been a cert to start but for his actions. The striker had been granted permission to fly home to visit his family on the understanding he would return to Glasgow no later than last Wednesday. Morelos, much to the disgust of his gaffer and team-mates, didn’t turn up until Thursday, leaving Gerrard with no option but to axe and discipline his controversial star. Ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Hamilton, the Ibrox boss confirmed he’s held clear-the-air talks with the Colombian, who apologised to his team-mates. Gerrard added: “Alfredo is going to make mistakes. Each player is different. Some need more support than others, some need more guidance. "People have had different types of education and learning paths to be where they are in life. “The staff and the players have always been there for Alfredo from day one. “While he is here we will continue to do that. “But there is a stage where you need to help yourself and do the right thing for yourself and your family and the supporters — that’s where he is right now. “I dealt with the situation prior to the Hearts game and I followed it up with a one-on-one chat with Alfredo and told him how it was. “He has accepted that, he has apologised in the room to myself, the supporters and the players. “If he decides to do something publicly on that, it is his decision. “But he did show remorse and regret and disappointment, and he has accepted what has come his way. Now we park it and move forward, and that is what I will do. “I can’t be a manager that stays stubborn, punishes someone and then continues that. That wouldn’t be fair. “Morelos has been disciplined internally, which he has accepted, and he’s shown a lot of remorse for his actions and for letting the team down, and letting the supporters down. “He has accepted his punishment, which will stay private. “As a club we are united from top to bottom in terms of standards, and what is expected in terms of those who represent Rangers. “With Alfredo we all know how good a player he is. “I have gone on record before with what a top footballer he is, and what a top footballer he can be. “It is my job to give him the guidance and support to get him there as quick as he can. “Is he going to be perfect? No. Is he going to make mistakes and frustrate me? Possibly. But I need to make sure I do the right thing for him and for Rangers going forward.” Morelos could return to face Accies. For many Gers fans it’s too little too late, after the Jambos ended their hopes of domestic silverware in the striker’s absence. Yet Gerrard insisted he had no option but to bin Morelos for the Cup clash. He added: “You can’t miss a full day’s training just because you want to. I had to do the right thing for the dressing room, not for me. “If I make a new rule that anyone can miss a full day’s preparation, going into one of the biggest games of the season, and you won’t miss the next game but you might miss the one after — that doesn’t send the right message to the rest of the dressing room. “It doesn’t send the right message to our kids at the academy either. “There is a bigger picture behind discipline and standards at the club. Everyone is united from boardroom level down that you can’t behave like that. “If there is some short-term pain on the back of that, or people think there is, I’ll have to take responsibility for that.” Steven Gerrard has declared himself “loyal and true” and vowed he WILL turn Rangers into trophy winners. The Ibrox boss swatted aside quit fears and insisted the only way he’ll leave is if he’s sacked by the board. Gerrard is in for the long haul as he faces the toughest spell of his fledgling managerial career. The Light Blues are almost certain to end the season without a trophy for the second campaign in a row under Gerrard, but he is convinced silverware is just around the corner if he’s given more backing this summer. Gerrard appeared to cast doubts on his future at the weekend after their Scottish Cup capitulation at Hearts. It came just 72 hours after they secured a stunning victory over Braga in the Europa League and summed up the roller coaster of emotions for fans since January. Gerrard said: “When I sign up for something I stay loyal and true to that. I won’t shirk or hide from any win, loss or draw. “I will continue to push and do everything I can from my side to achieve my own personal goals, but more importantly to make these fans happy. “I’ll never quit. I’ll never shirk a challenge or run away when I sign up for something. I’ll fight as hard as I can for as long as I can. “If that situation changes for other people and other people take that away from me, that’s a different scenario totally. “However, as far as my staff and I are concerned our sleeves are rolled up further than they were before and we’ll continue to push. “I still believe we are closer than some of the opinion out there believes, but I also believe these players need some help and support. “Everyone from top to bottom of the club needs to continue to push to support that and be as hungry as each other to get there. And we will.” Gerrard retains the full support of the Ibrox board and directors have reiterated their faith in his abilities in a series of discussions and phone calls since Saturday night. He added: “I have had a lot of calls since the weekend and the support has been incredible - for me, the players and my staff. There has been nothing about my individual future or future plans. “It will be interesting to see the reaction of the players. Between now and the end of the season we need to learn who is on board and who is prepared to fight and grind and push together. “I am ready for the next challenge, which is Hamilton. My job is to find solutions that gives us long-term success. “Right now I have to identify why we go from Braga’s performance to not doing ourselves justice 72 hours later, but I don’t fear that challenge. “I am all in. I signed up to something here and I knew there would be real setbacks and this is when the club needs me most to stay on, fight and push forward on the progress we have made in a lot of areas, whilst learning to ensure the mistakes don’t happen again.” Gerrard is sympathetic to the point of view that suggests his side lacks a physical presence, particularly in midfield, for the aggressive grind of the domestic game. He assured fans he plans to address it in the summer, but is convinced his first team regulars are not as weak-willed as many have made out. He added: “I wouldn’t give up on all the players because some people have gone above and beyond. There are a lot of trusted people in that dressing room who I still believe are the right people to take us forward. “It doesn’t feel like that now because a lot of them didn’t play well at the weekend, but that’s life. You’re going to have those days, but it’s not time to give up on this group. “The Scottish Cup? It was not good enough and we deserve criticism. I feel for the players in the League Cup because they did everything they could to get that first trophy. “That’s all we’re short of, that first trophy, that first feeling of winning together, but there’s zero criticism because they gave everything and left it out there. “In Europe, they’re above the curve and further on than I thought they’d be and we’ve had credit for that and rightly so. “In the league, for the first six months we were fine. The inconsistency has returned, which is frustrating and disappointing, but we need to push game by game and feel a bit better about ourselves.” Gerrard revealed Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield will miss tonight’s game and are doubts for Sunday’s trip to Ross County. He said: “Ryan Jack has got a bruise underneath his heel so he won’t be involved tomorrow. “We are waiting for news on a scan for Scott Arfield, he is a big doubt for the weekend. (Filip) Helander is due back in full training on Friday as will Matt Polster.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eejay the dj 31,964 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 All the excuses are in there .He has and will forgive every one of them He doesn’t see it .We will be back feeling the exact same feeling in a few weeks After the Bayer and bheast fc games .I would bet on it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForeverAndEver 71,374 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 It has been the last two seasons when he’s carried us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetheart 8,458 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 26 minutes ago, Smile said: I can't argue with any of that. It sounds like they've all sat down and aired their grievances, and are trying to implement some sort of short term plan. I 'd like this quote of his on a scarf “I’ll never quit. I’ll never shirk a challenge or run away when I sign up for something. I’ll fight as hard as I can for as long as I can. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton2008 646 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 4 minutes ago, ForeverAndEver said: It has been the last two seasons when he’s carried us I’m willing to bet we win our first major trophy with the proceeds of his sale Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Avenger 22,567 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Fuck, I read it totally different. That was all for public consumption with all the right things said. Beneath it, he is damaged goods and gone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smile 26,600 Posted March 4, 2020 Author Share Posted March 4, 2020 5 minutes ago, Blue Avenger said: Fuck, I read it totally different. That was all for public consumption with all the right things said. Beneath it, he is damaged goods and gone. Yes, that my take on it he's become too much hassle for Rangers and Gerrard. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForeverAndEver 71,374 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 12 minutes ago, Hutton2008 said: I’m willing to bet we win our first major trophy with the proceeds of his sale That a Sevco joke pal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Avenger 22,567 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 58 minutes ago, Smile said: Yes, that my take on it he's become too much hassle for Rangers and Gerrard. You don't put your boss through that public embarassment without consequences. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadron Collider 30,786 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 I read it as “Alfie, you’ve had enough chances, it’s up to you now, can’t help you anymore, you owe this team and the supporters”. Final warning. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZZed 4,510 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Morelos is gone in the summer. He has had a lot of support but his time is up; get the money in and find a replacement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgeIsBlue 66,604 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 No Morelos and our season is over before Halloween never mind April fools day. Prove me wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton2008 646 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 1 hour ago, ForeverAndEver said: That a Sevco joke pal Not intentionally ffs Since coming up through the divisions we haven’t won a major trophy. My bet is it will be without Morelos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikerblue 1,716 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 4 hours ago, Sweetheart said: I can't argue with any of that. It sounds like they've all sat down and aired their grievances, and are trying to implement some sort of short term plan. I 'd like this quote of his on a scarf “I’ll never quit. I’ll never shirk a challenge or run away when I sign up for something. I’ll fight as hard as I can for as long as I can. Would need to be a Dr who scarf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy bob swollenbaws 1,861 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 3 hours ago, Hutton2008 said: Not intentionally ffs Since coming up through the divisions we haven’t won a major trophy. My bet is it will be without Morelos Agreed. Sick of his childishness Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton2008 646 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Just now, crazy bob swollenbaws said: Agreed. Sick of his childishness One step forward two steps back with him. If he can remain focussed, keep his physicality, remove his petulance and multiple dives per game he will go to the top. Not for a minute saying he’s finished here, that’s just a prediction that we will sell him and rejuvenate the squad with the cash. The physical condition he returned from the winter break in is nothing short of criminal. Hopefully he gets worked hard in training until the end of the season. He will soon find his form again when fit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dummiesoot 16,003 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 This thing is fucked up, Alfredo was rightly dropped however party line should have been all about delayed travel plans and missing training, he was not ready. This interview should never have been done. Rangers used to keep everything like this internal, I am unsure if the last three days helps anyone associated with us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nk89 1,286 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 I dont get why turning up on Thursday was 24 hours late when the team wouldn't have been back in training till thursday? Obviously the Hearts prep started on thursday Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmcf 34,093 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Have to admit I've lost patience with him . I had thought he had turned a corner at the start of the season but that hasn't lasted , and the fact is , great though he is , we simply cant rely on him to even play on some of our biggest games . Yes I get he gets treated differently to anyone else in the league , but anybody with a brain , would ensure , because of that , you dont give referees any decision to make . Because when it goes wrong , and it does far too often , it's not Alfie that pays the price , it's the manager , the team , the club and we , the fans . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
beararse 6,366 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 5 hours ago, Blue Avenger said: Fuck, I read it totally different. That was all for public consumption with all the right things said. Beneath it, he is damaged goods and gone. Yep. He’s blew it and will be offloaded in the summer. I’m sick of reading about Morelos for all the wrong reasons. He's became a sideshow and a distraction: A reformed character, scoring goals for fun first half of season, chat about a big move, needless suspension(s), indiscipline, form dips dramatically, worth fuck all (relatively speaking).....rinse and repeat! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehost 11,061 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 we will be fine we have tav and goldson and tugboat helander Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigsasasfloppyhair 13,310 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 He’s a stupid cunt. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Land Rover 789 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Fair enough with the Morelos stuff . But he's throwing him under the bus as the big excuse we are pish right now . Morelos might be a part of it , but it's a gnat's baw hair part . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eskbankloyal 19,446 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 52 minutes ago, Nk89 said: I dont get why turning up on Thursday was 24 hours late when the team wouldn't have been back in training till thursday? Obviously the Hearts prep started on thursday He didn’t get back in the country until late Thursday so missed the Hearts preparation session they’d done that day. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueVanguard 6,609 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 At the start of the last season he looked great and now he looks like he gained a good bit of weight and couldn't really give a fuck. Maybe he did want away in January then? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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