"It's not about the manager"

[Craig_H]

According to Steven Gerrard.

Now first off, i want to clarify that i'm definitely not criticising him for that comment. I dont know what the players may or may not have been instructed to say so i'm not going to have a pop.

But there's been a few questions on here of late, asking when (or indeed if) the players would come out in support of the manager, and if not, why not?

Tonight, Geoff Shreeves gave Gerrard the perfect opportunity to do just that and, contrary to the fact that recently, it HAS been about the manager, Stevie says it isnt.

What are our thoughts on this?

It stuck out like a sore thumb for me. It would've been easy and even almost the 'done thing' for Stevie to say something along the lines of "It's about winning games, but we also have a strong unity here and we're all working together, with the manager to do the best that we can. We always have his support and he has ours, as it should be" etc. But he chose to say that it's not about the manager. He's right that it's about the team, but for me, the manager is a part of that team, even if he doesnt don the shirt and get soaked out on the pitch.

Anyone read anything into Gerrard's comments?

[Joe King]

The manager is part of the team. That is all

[Dalglish]

Gerrad's a footballer giving an interview post match trotting out cliches as per usual. Try and relax

[Morph]

According to Steven Gerrard.

Now first off, i want to clarify that i'm definitely not criticising him for that comment. I dont know what the players may or may not have been instructed to say so i'm not going to have a pop.

But there's been a few questions on here of late, asking when (or indeed if) the players would come out in support of the manager, and if not, why not?

Tonight, Geoff Shreeves gave Gerrard the perfect opportunity to do just that and, contrary to the fact that recently, it HAS been about the manager, Stevie says it isnt.

What are our thoughts on this?

It stuck out like a sore thumb for me. It would've been easy and even almost the 'done thing' for Stevie to say something along the lines of "It's about winning games, but we also have a strong unity here and we're all working together, with the manager to do the best that we can. We always have his support and he has ours, as it should be" etc. But he chose to say that it's not about the manager. He's right that it's about the team, but for me, the manager is a part of that team, even if he doesnt don the shirt and get soaked out on the pitch.

Anyone read anything into Gerrard's comments?

I agree with you mate, I really think he could have afforded him at least something, in fact the more i think about it I deffo think he got it wrong, but whats done is done now

[Kilteragh]

Anyone read anything into Gerrard's comments?

That's all anyone seems to do thes days is read into things that just aren't there. His response was perfect. It as much as said "piss off I'm not answering your stupid questions."

[kurtangle01]

My thoughts, Syd, are that no matter what they think as individuals they have been instructed to say nothing on the situation.

I genuinely believe that they have been instructed that the matter is closed for discussion...in the public eye at least.

[bazza76]

At first yes, but then, when I heard the full answer, no.
HE clearly said he wanted the headlines to be about football tomorow. Which means, he wants the speculation about Rafa to be over. Which translates into him wanting Rafa to be manager.

Making an issue out of nothing here.

[Morph]

My thoughts, Syd, are that no matter what they think as individuals they have been instructed to say nothing on the situation.

I genuinely believe that they have been instructed that the matter is closed for discussion...in the public eye at least.

who gives a **** what he's been instructed to say, what are they going to do sack him (gerrard) if it'd been me i'd have said something

[kurtangle01]

At first yes, but then, when I heard the full answer, no.
HE clearly said he wanted the headlines to be about football tomorow. Which means, he wants the speculation about Rafa to be over. Which translates into him wanting Rafa to be manager.

Making an issue out of nothing here.

My thoughts exactly.

[kurtangle01]

who gives a **** what he's been instructed to say, what are they going to do sack him (gerrard) if it'd been me i'd have said something

It's not you though is it? It's them and they're towing the line.

[Jayesh87]

who gives a **** what he's been instructed to say, what are they going to do sack him (gerrard) if it'd been me i'd have said something

Shame your **** at footy

[disco]

I certainly noticed that. Contemplating whether to read anything into it.

Certainly noticed Rafa's refusal to answer the question. I was completely wrong, yesterday's statement and revelation has clearly pissed him off. 36 hours late, but Hicks is on my cunt list

[kurtangle01]

That's all anyone seems to do thes days is read into things that just aren't there. His response was perfect. It as much as said "piss off I'm not answering your stupid questions."

Exactly.

[Joe King]

I guarantee the press will nit pick what Gerrard has said.

[Morten_nogamst_Pedersen]

who gives a **** what he's been instructed to say, what are they going to do sack him (gerrard) if it'd been me i'd have said something

Youre a real rebel, aren't ya?