When Steven Gerrard arrived at Ibrox in 2018, Rangers were a shadow of their former selves, trailing bitter rivals Celtic by a seemingly unbridgeable chasm. Fast forward three years, and the Liverpool legend had engineered one of Scottish football's most remarkable transformations.
The Blueprint for Success
According to former Rangers coach Tom Culshaw, who worked closely with Gerrard throughout his tenure, the secret wasn't just about tactics or training—it was about building something special from the ground up.
"We knew we had to create an environment where players would run through brick walls," Culshaw revealed in an exclusive interview. "Stevie's mentality was infectious. He wouldn't accept second best, whether in training or on match day."
More Than Just Football
The revolution extended far beyond the pitch. Culshaw emphasised how Gerrard and his team transformed every aspect of the club:
- Cultural overhaul: Instilling a winning mentality throughout the organisation
- Tactical innovation: Implementing systems that exploited opponents' weaknesses
- Player development: Transforming raw talent into consistent performers
- Mental strength: Building resilience for high-pressure situations
The Unbeaten Season Masterpiece
Gerrard's crowning achievement came in the 2020-21 season when Rangers went undefeated in the league, stopping Celtic's quest for ten consecutive titles in its tracks. "That unbeaten season wasn't luck," Culshaw insisted. "It was the culmination of three years of hard work, planning and relentless standards."
The former coach also highlighted how Gerrard's experience as a player at Liverpool prepared him for the unique pressures of managing in Glasgow. "Handling pressure at Anfield was the perfect preparation for the Old Firm cauldron," he noted.
Legacy of a Revolution
Though Gerrard has since moved on to Aston Villa, his impact at Rangers continues to resonate. The foundation he built propelled the club to European success and established a template for sustained achievement.
"What Stevie created here will be studied for years," Culshaw concluded. "He proved that with the right mentality and structure, anything is possible in football."
