Steven Gerrard insists his ex Rangers star, regards as Savior

Steven Gerrard is pursuing two former Rangers defensive stars, but a striker he signed at Ibrox has come back to haunt him as his recent poor performance at Al-Ettifaq continues.

Gerrard is considering signing Light Blues captain James Tavernier and Connor Goldson to strengthen his backline, as reported by Record Sport. However, Gerrard stated that they desperately need a player in the mold of frontman Fashion Sakala after the Zambian scored twice to pile the misery on his hold boss.

Sakala joined Rangers on a free transfer from Oostende, but was allowed to leave by Michael Beale. He now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Fayha, where he has 16 goals and five assists in 28 league games.

Gerrard, who saw ex-Celtic striker Moussa Dembele score alongside Sakala’s double, believes his team needs to improve their winless streak, which has now reached six games. Following the defeat, Gerrard stated, “Sakala was dangerous, which is something we lack in our team. We were bad both individually and collectively. We allowed two easy goals. I didn’t like the players’ mentality or character.

Gerrard’s side is seventh in the Saudi Pro League, with Sakala’s Al Fayha level on points. Sakala expressed respect for Gerrard earlier this season, but also revealed his heartbreak over his departure from Ibrox, with Beale giving him the cold shoulder without explanation.

In an interview with The Herald, he stated: “The fans played a bigger role for me there than some of the coaches I worked with at Rangers, to be honest. For me, the fans were more important than some of the coaches present. Except Gerrard, he was exceptional.”

But when asked how his summer exit went, he said, “I went back to pre-season in Germany and it was a big surprise because my pictures were not taken.” I was scoring beautiful goals, but they were not published.

“I could see my friends celebrating achievements. My responses during a team meeting were not permitted to be published. People started asking if I was there during the preseason. I was present from beginning to end. It was a difficult situation for me.

“Even if a club wanted to buy me, I could have gained some respect and left the club on a positive note. Rangers was a club that felt like home to me, so being treated that way was extremely difficult for me.”

Regarding his deteriorating relationship with Beale and the Rangers’ overall departure, Sakala added, “That was the difficult one. When I returned for the new season, I assumed the coach would trust me. They want me to be there for the new season. He didn’t talk to me about anything, including transfers. He made it clear to me that I was not a part of his plans without saying anything. Mick Beale called me and told me not to come to the training ground anymore. It was difficult for me to accept because I had done nothing.

“When players leave clubs, they are not told not to go to the training ground or not to be a member of the team. I didn’t train with the club for nearly two weeks. I believe I deserved much better, or at the very least, respect. I understand you want to sell me to raise funds to buy new players, which is fine.