THE tears were of despair rather than celebration as the emotions were laid bare. Across the Old Firm divide, they could not have contrasted more starkly.

As the Celtic players embraced and ran towards their fans, those in blue sunk into the sodden Hampden surface. For some, like midfielder Ryan Jack, the agony of defeat was too tough to take as an outpouring of heartache followed the full-time whistle on Sunday.

It was proof, not that any was needed in Jack’s case, of how much the Betfred Cup final meant to those – from boss Gerrard to the fans in the stand – associated with the club as Rangers were denied a long-awaited silverware success by their Old Firm rivals.

Gerrard won’t criticise anyone for letting their emotions get the better of them, though. On a day of one overwhelming negative, it was another small positive for the Ibrox boss.

“This is not just from a Rangers point of view,” Gerrard said. “I don’t think you can ever criticise a footballer or a team for being visibly upset.

“Football players when I played got extreme criticism about not caring. Not being a supporter on the pitch and not having enough heart and desire. Folk say it’s all about the money and the rewards that come with playing.

“But I think you could see clearly what it meant to the players to represent this club and I loved every minute of our reaction. Of course I wanted to see my players celebrate.

“But what I saw and what I looked at clearly at the final whistle is, ‘who is with me and who is not?’ It’s clear to me that these boys in that dressing room are with me.”

It was left to James Tavernier and Scott Arfield to face the music post-match as they tried to put into words what had just unfolded at Hampden. Rangers dominated but a series of missed chances – including an Alfredo Morelos penalty – cost them dear as their efforts went unrewarded.

In the days since, Gerrard hasn’t attempted to overcomplicate the messages. His faith in his players hasn’t diminished, nor has his belief that they will respond in the right manner when they face Young Boys this evening.

“I’m no good at that psychology bit,” he said. “First and foremost we had a day off planned anyway whatever the outcome. Whether it was for us or against us.

“That’s always good if it goes against you because it gives you time to be on your own with your family.

“People handle it in different ways. People like to be on their own and do family stuff or be with their mates, it’s personal choice. I was at home with my young family, but people handle it in different ways.

“One thing we all have to do together is be ready for this game, because it’s a dangerous game. We can’t have any kind of hangover or anyone carrying Sunday’s result into this game.

“It’s a different competition, a different challenge and we have to be at our best or close to it to get the outcome that we want. Which is top the group.”

Losing an Old Firm final is always difficult to take but the manner of the defeat ensured this was no ordinary setback for Rangers as Christopher Jullien’s goal, later proven to be offside, was the difference on the day.

It was the toughest afternoon of Gerrard’s managerial career and the feelings were familiar for the former Liverpool captain.

“It’s exactly the same,” he said. “Exactly the same feeling. I’m more gutted for the players rather than from a personal point of view.

“I know what they put into the game, I know what they wanted out of that competition.

“If we had been outplayed from start to finish and comfortably beaten then sometimes you have to hold your hand up.

“But I was very buoyed and excited by that performance. From start to finish it was very dominant.

“But I know more than most from a footballer’s point of view that big moments in big games are important and you have to grab them. We didn’t.”

If Rangers are similarly as profligate in the final third this evening, their chances of reaching the knockout rounds of the Europa League will be hampered.

The late defeat in Bern hasn’t cost the Gers as yet and a draw on home soil is all that is required to clinch top spot in Group G.

Gerrard said: “They are a very dangerous challenge, with a lot of pace in their team. They have some really good players and have been playing in a 4-4-2 system with two up front and a lot of speed and a lot of dynamic players who like to play on the counter, go quite direct and get bodies around your central defenders.

“We’re well aware of their threats, they are a good team and we cannot underestimate their challenge. We are prepared for them, we know their strengths and their weaknesses and we’re confident we can get this job done if we play well. What we can’t do is have a hangover from Sunday. That’s key.”