Gerrard relieved to win ‘crazy’ encounter
STEVEN Gerrard last night lauded the quality and character of his Rangers players after watching them come from behind twice and triumph in a “crazy” Europa League last-32 match against Royal Antwerp in Belgium.
Gerrard, who moved alongside Walter Smith in the Rangers record books by overseeing his 23rd European victory as manager, admitted he was disappointed with his charges’ defensive display in the first leg.
“I am just waiting for the heart rate to come down,” he said. “Listen, it was a fantastic game. I am sure all the neutrals enjoyed it. But from a manager’s point of view there is certainly a lot to analyse.
“Obviously, defensively we haven’t been at it tonight, we haven’t been at our very best. We have conceded three goals and that is the second time at this level that we have done that. That tells me we have a lot of work to do in terms of our organisation.
“But, listen, it is very difficult to win away from home in Europe. Experience of Scottish teams going out in Europe tells me that. I have got to give the boys credit for winning the game.”
Gerrard admitted he was worried about the injuries suffered by Roofe and Tavernier in the first-half.
“Kemar has got another calf injury so that is a concern for us,” he said. “He is getting too many calfs. We are going to have to look into that and maybe get him to see the right people. He is very down at the minute. That is a blow for us.
“James never goes off the pitch so that worries me as well. We will look at both of those situations.
“We will analyse them and hopefully they’re not as bad as was first feared.”