«GERRARD RUES LOSS OF SUPPORTERS FOR EUROPA MEETING

Gerrard rues the loss of loyal backing ahead of fresh assault on continent

DURING Steven Gerrard’s first two seasons at Rangers, the backing of supporters helped drive successive Europa League qualifications and delivered millions of pounds of additional financial sustenance.

That input was not something Gerrard took for granted. Far from it. Speaking ahead of tonight’s one-off tie against Willem II in Holland, the Ibrox manager made it clear how much he and his players will miss the emotional lift provided by a travelling fanbase that aided impressive results at the homes of Braga, Porto and Feyenoord.

The sight of empty stands this evening might actually be easier to process if there was hope of the situation changing upon their return to Scotland.

Tuesday put paid to that. A tightening of coronavirus restrictions announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has ruled out supporters returning to grounds for the time being. A review is due to take place in three weeks, but the fear is of gates remaining closed for up to six months.

That would come with a financial impact for clubs both big and small. Gerrard knows Rangers would not be immune.

Whether it affects any of his transfer plans is, however, not a question he can answer just yet.

Still keen to add a midfielder to his squad in the remaining 11 days of the window, the 40-year-old is well aware of the speculation continuing to swirl around further bids for Alfredo Morelos. Reports in England also claim Leeds United might not have completely thrown in the towel when it comes to Ryan Kent.

Gerrard is calm about those issues — reporting no movement — and will wait for an update from sporting director Ross Wilson as to what effect an extended fan lock-out could have on recruitment.

‘I am very aware of the situation the club is in,’ he said. ‘In terms of me sitting down with the board or Ross and talking in detail on the situation, I haven’t had that opportunity yet. The news only broke 24 hours ago.

‘But I’m sure it is something that will be on the agenda the next time I sit down with Ross in private.

‘Listen, in my situation, the most important thing is the club. Whatever happens and whatever I’m told, I will respect that moving forward. But whether that has an effect on the short, medium or long term is something we’ll have to wait and see.’

A third straight qualification for the Europa League group stage would deliver about £2.5million in UEFA prize money. Again, though, the windfall previously gathered from three sell-out fixtures not included on season books would be absent if the restrictions remain in place.

Asked about this week’s announcement from Holyrood, Gerrard said: ‘It’s not the news that anyone who loves the game or who is connected to our club wanted to hear. It’s a massive blow for the Scottish game.

‘I think they’re reviewing it on October 13 and hopefully there’s better news when we get to that date.’

More immediately, Rangers have to try and win inside a ghostly Koning Willem II Stadium to set up a play-off against Galatasaray or Hajduk Split at Ibrox next week.

While no fans might feel like a greater disadvantage for the home team, Gerrard will regret the absence of visiting legions.

‘One hundred per cent, the fans have played a huge part in our journeys in Europe,’ he stressed. ‘I’m sure the players would echo that.

‘When you turn up in a country and see thousands and thousands of fans, it gives you a huge lift and puts a smile on your face. You know they are with you.

‘We have to remember they are still with us, even though they are not here. We know they will be on the TVs and supporting us from back home.

‘But it’s different. It’s not the same. I feel for the players and for the supporters. These nights should be the highlights of your career, nights you tell your kids and grandkids about — when you went to Holland and Portugal and other countries and played in front of thousands of Rangers fans.

‘Unfortunately that has been taken away from us at the moment, but we respect and understand the situation we are in.’

Gerrard expects a challenging task against a team that finished fifth in last season’s curtailed Eredivisie. Making clear his respect for Dutch football, victory tonight would be counted as another significant result in an impressive European record.

One of the keys to that, Gerrard argues, is the positive apprehension these ties can generate within his squad.

‘I have to give credit to the players,’ he said. ‘Every challenge we have faced under pressure in Europe, home or away, the players seem to bring a laser-focus to these games.

‘There is almost a touch of fear about them, in that they know what they have to give and bring to the table. Because with some of the teams we have faced, if you don’t bring that A game there is a real chance of being embarrassed at this level.

‘I have to pay respect for the journey that the players have taken me on over the past couple of years. The players sampled (Dutch opposition) last season against Feyenoord, home and away. They were two hard-fought games and the players were left knowing you have to empty the tank for sure when you face these teams.

‘I think Willem II punched above their weight in terms of their budget, listening to some of the Dutch journalists.

‘So they had a fantastic season and have a good manager. They have recruited really well and have some really dangerous players.

‘We are under no illusions here. It’s a tough game, a tough challenge. But I believe if the players can give me what they normally do in these situations, I have confidence we can get the job done.’

Morelos scored twice against Feyenoord in that aforementioned 2-2 draw in Rotterdam as part of a 14-goal Europa League haul last season. Gerrard hopes the Colombian can again rise to the occasion.

‘He is really excited about playing in Europe,’ added the Ibrox boss. ‘He knows for himself that he has to perform if he is selected to play at this level.

‘He knows there are a lot of eyes on him. There is a big demand from myself, the coaching staff and his team-mates because we put a lot of responsibility on him.

‘I think he has been excellent in this competition for us so far.

‘As a team, we have to supply him with the right service. But he is definitely capable of playing well at this level because he has done it numerous times.’

The supporters have played a huge part in our journeys in Europe. We have to remember they are still with us, even though they are not here