Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has said he will continue to keep faith with James Tavernier as the club’s captain despite the defender’s poor performance against Young Boys on Thursday.
The 27-year-old made mistakes for both goals in the 2-1 defeat, but speaking at his pre-match conference yesterday, Gerrard came to the defence of his player:
“James is the captain of this team for a reason. He is maturing, he is big enough to handle the criticism that comes his way. That’s one thing you are looking for in your captain.”
“Football is not just about highs and praise and everyone telling you how great you are. It’s about recovering from setbacks, being able to handle the tough times as well as the good times.”
Some fans on Twitter were backing Gerrard’s stance on Tavernier:
Well said gaffer??
— William Kilfedder (@WKilfedder) October 4, 2019
Well said. Some crazy opinions out there about the captain
— scott mackay (@scottymack68) October 4, 2019
We're all gutted but no point crucifying the guy. We can qualify and forget this result.
Well said SG.— Real Jackflash69 (@RJackflash69) October 5, 2019
Correct SG. We all make mistakes.
— ?? Ronnie ?? (@RMora2005) October 4, 2019
If he is good enough for SG he is good enough for me
— Gordon Topping (@GWTopping) October 4, 2019
Tavernier is a good baller, he has pace and has a sound delivery and free kick. Defending with his back to goal not his strongest suit but it is fair to say that over the piece he has been a very good player for Rangers. They can still go through in this group
— Gordon Addie (@DublinBlue82) October 4, 2019
Goodlad tav
— Tom lawrie (@Tomlawrie4) October 4, 2019
While a few supporters think the fullback should have taken more responsibility for his errors:
A captain woulda took responsibility for the first goal instead of turning round shiftin the blame an shoutin at Goldson.
— scott. (@sct1892) October 4, 2019
We're supposed to learn from our mistakes! Not make the same mistake twice in one game!
— Jim Hoy (@JimHoy1351) October 5, 2019
Well said gaffer. Although I have to say I would like the Captain to accept the criticism when he makes silly mistakes and show the desire on the field to make up for it. i.e. if Jack loses the ball, he will bust a gut to win it back. We are all in this together ?⚪?
— Stephen Gallacher (@StephanoGal) October 4, 2019
It would have been good if Tavernier had fronted up more following the mistakes but the manager will know better than anyone what the defender brings to the role as captain.
He certainly doesn’t shirk responsibility when it comes to penalties. Despite missing two this season, he was prepared to stay on them and he then slotted two away against Aberdeen.
It would not be surprising if he puts in an excellent display when Rangers face Hamilton tomorrow afternoon.