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Steven Gerrard spoke to the press on Friday ahead of the showdown with Hibernian at Easter Road, and his comments on his squad hint at another summer overhaul.
What's the word?
Rangers made five more signings in January to add to the 14 players they added to the squad last summer, and the gaffer’s comments on Friday suggest even more work will be done this summer.
Warning his squad that he will not accept underperforming players, he said: “Whether you have a contract until the summer or for two years, you have always got to prove and fight for the right to be a Rangers player.
“That’s what we’ve tried to do here, to remind players we won’t tolerate or accept anyone who becomes complacent or doesn’t show a certain level.
“We’ll move players on as quick as they have come in the door because results and success at Rangers is so important. As a manager and staff we can’t wait too long.
“If we don’t get something right we’ll be open and honest about that and will try and make the change immediately. We haven’t got time to be patient here.”
Summer overhaul on the way
Gerrard’s Gers travelled to Easter Road to take on Hibs on Friday evening, perhaps why the gaffer’s comments before the match are being somewhat overlooked.
In reality though, these comments are the clearest indicator yet that Gers fans are in for yet another exciting summer with plenty of movement in the squad.
There will of course be constant reports linking Alfredo Morelos with a move away from the club, even despite penning a new deal on Friday, so could the Colombian’s exit fund a massive overhaul?
Mentality is key
Gerrard’s attitude that players must fight for and earn the right to wear the shirt is exactly what endeared him so much to Liverpool fans during his playing days, and it has surely done the same at Ibrox now.
Even more important is instilling this elite mentality in the squad, something he hasn’t been able to do with signings like Eros Grezda and Borna Barisic.
Gerrard must now learn from his mistakes, and sign players who are truly up for a fight and in it for the long haul, not just technically gifted players from weaker leagues without the mental toughness to survive the pressure of the blue shirt.