Something to Cro over
Rangers hold nerve to secure Europa League win against Croatians
STEVEN GERRARD was JEALOUS of Ryan Jack’s dynamic display as Rangers stood tall like men to sink mouthy Croats NK Osijek.
The Ibrox manager heaped praise on his troops after they booked a tie against Maribor.
Gerrard was thrilled at the way his players did their talking on the pitch after the pre-match Croat boasts. Jack in particular had the boss purring with his terrific show and Gerrard said: “I thought there were some top performances.
“But, as a midfielder, I was jealous of Ryan’s performance. It was stunning.
“I had watched Ryan from the outside but it’s not until you get close up to these players that you see what they are about and how hungry they are, how they live their lives.
“I think I have got a good type on my hands there. A player who wants to win and is prepared to go out and do exactly what you have asked.
“He made one minor
mistake in a big match. This is a kid who missed six months at the back end of last season – I am delighted.”
Gerrard, who also admitted he “loves” scorer Nikola Katic, had stand-out performers in various areas of the pitch as his team stuffed jibes down Osijek throats.
Boss Zoran Zekic, who apologised for a gesture towards Rangers fans at full-time, had a pop at Alfredo Morelos, while midfielder Robert Mudrazija described the Light Blues gaffer as a tiny man in a bizarre barb.
But Gerrard said: “Talking doesn’t win you football matches, it doesn’t get you results. Sometimes it doesn’t help your players, it just motivates the opposition.
“We thrive on all that kind of talk. My players came out and played like men and we did our talking on the pitch.
“Not many teams will come here as good as them, but over the two legs we did what we wanted and needed to do.
“We’re building character and momentum. We are going to have moments when backs against the wall.
“That’s why we brought in leaders and characters like Allan McGregor. When you need him to be big, he’s big. We brought in two centre halves who have been outstanding.
“Now people are feeling us, they know we are not a soft touch.”
Skipper James Tavernier echoed the delight of his manager and added: “We have been solid at the back. It was disappointing to concede but I thought we saw out the game strong.”