Groups my first target
for players at the Toulon Tournament, as wel l as studying for his UEFA Pro Licence.
But Gerrard has already set his sights on returning to Europe with Rangers.
The first Europa League qualifier is just six weeks away on July 12 – and Gers were embar rassed by Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn at that stage last year.
Even though Gerrard knows there’s major work to be done, he has challenged himself and the players to reach the group phase.
Speaking from France, Gerrard said: “Every game for Rangers is a priority. Of course, it’s going to be very difficult to have everything done and dusted by that first European game.
“Cubs shut down for a certain period. It can be difficult to get deals over the line in a short space of time.
“But in terms of that Europa League tie, I don’t prioritise any game. The fact of the matter is we want to be in the group stage.
“So whatever players are available to me at that time will be expected to get results. And I’ll be expected to get results.
“The idea is to try to talk to the majority of the players before we get back.
“But I also have to respect that some are on family holidays or international duty. There’s plenty of time.
“But I’m definitely ahead of the game. I’m not sure whether some of the players fol lowed me to Dubai recently but a few were staying in the same hotel.
“So that gave me a chance to speak to them.”
Gerrard is fully aware of the challenge he faces at Ibrox but the only surprise so far has been the amount of fans he has already met outside of Glasgow.
He said: “I knew all about Rangers from the outside. I’ve just been surprised by how many fans I’ve bumped into – even in Dubai.”