‘That’s on me’: Rangers boss Gerrard contrasts Liverpool and Ibrox achievements

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Steven Gerrard has spoken of his joy at securing the first title of his career, and stressed that the moment is about his team’s achievement and not the exorcising of personal demons.

The Rangers boss came within a whisker of winning the Premier League in 2014, only for his infamous slip to let Demba Ba in for Chelsea’s winner against Liverpool.

It’s a moment that cannot be avoided in any recounting of the Anfield legend’s career, but he’s written a new chapter in his story with his success this season.

Sunday saw Rangers become champions of Scotland’s top flight for the first time since 2011, and while Gerrard has been showered with praise he’s keen to emphasise the collective.

Asked on ITV News if there was catharsis to be found in this victory, he replied: “It means a lot because it’s tough to win a title.

“I’m not saying it’s not tough to win cup competitions, but obviously to prove that you’re the best team over the 38 games, and do it for such a long period of time, and the way that we’ve done it, the style, to remain unbeaten until we won it, that’s an incredible effort from the players, and I’m just proud to lead that team.

“Yeah, it is my first title in terms of a league, and it feels really good.

“I think there’s been enough time gone by for me to heal from the Liverpool thing.

“I always have to remember that, that’s important.

“But yes, it will. I feel good. It’s nice to be a champion, but it’s different. I’m in a different career now.

“I’m here to support the players. I’m not a player anymore, so it’s different. It feels different. It’s a different accomplishment.

“I gave everything I could to win the league as a player. Unfortunately I never.

“I have to accept and live with that. I was the champion of Europe, I’m not champion of England, and that’s on me. That’s on me, I’ll take accountability for that.

“This is a different journey, it’s a different challenge, and I’m just absolutely elated that we’ve finally got to where we wanted to get to.”

Gerrard now turns his attention to the Europa League, with Rangers competing in the competition’s round of 16 for the second successive season.

They hope to go one better this time, and Leicester City’s conquerors Slavia Prague in the first leg on Thursday night.