GERRARD CALLS FOR HEROES FOR RUSSIA
Goldson goal puts Gers in driving seat as Gerrard calls for ‘warriors’ in Russian leg
STEVEN GERRARD has called for Rangers to stand up and be counted like ‘heroes’ and ‘warriors’ as they bid for a Europa League group stage berth in Russia.
The Gers will take a 1-0 advantage to Ufa on Thursday after Connor Goldson netted the only goal of the game at Ibrox last night.
Rangers have seen off
Shkupi, Osijek and Maribor so far this term and will now need to produce another performance on the road to progress through a fourth qualifying round.
Gerrard said: “I was disappointed with my team in the first 45 minutes. I didn’t think we went through the gears, we were a bit flat.
“I thought we waited for the crowd to lift us. We asked the players to lift the crowd then go with the momentum.
“So I was slightly disappointed with the first-half showing, even though we won it 1-0. The second half was closer to what I want. We played with more intensity and purpose on the front foot.
“We kept them in their half for the majority of the second half. We just didn’t get the rewards for how we played.
“But we’ve won the game 1-0, we’ve got a clean sheet. The tie is still in the balance, we are up against a tough team.
“We are in for another tough game. There is a lot of work to do.
“Is it enough? I’d like a bigger advantage, of course I would. Listen, we’ve got another tough game next week. The clean sheet might be important, that’s certainly a positive. We won’t be getting carried away.
“We understand and respect the opposition and we need a performance full of heroes and warriors next week.
“But we are capable of going there, being hard to play against and defending well like we’ve shown before. We are also capable of getting an important away goal.”
Rangers had chances to ensure they were more comfortable in the tie but Goldson’s firsthalf effort was all that separated the sides at Ibrox.
Gerrard was frustrated with aspects of the Gers’ play as they struggled to find their rhythm at times but it was another satisfactory night overall for the 38-year-old.
“I think if I sit here and criticise my team that would be unfair,” Gerrard said. “Everyone wants 90 minutes of consistency from their team but that would be greedy.
“I’ve got nothing bad to say about my team. I’m proud of them so far.
“Of course I would have liked a little bit more of an advantage and a better show in the first half but I have no criticism of them.
“They played exactly how we thought they’d play – they play with a back five a three and a two.
“They had a couple of good moments in the game but they will be more dangerous next week.”