Gerrard tells Rangers to be rock steady
● Manager calls for fully focused approach against semi-professional Gibraltar outfit
As his Rangers players begin their latest Europa League campaign under the shadow of The Rock, Steven Gerrard has warned them against needlessly making it a hard place.
The Ibrox club have established a fine pedigree in the tournament under Gerrard’s guidance in the previous two seasons, losing just five of their 32 matches in reaching the knockout stages each year.
They are heavy odds-on favourites to defeat Lincoln Red Imp sin Gibraltar this afternoon in their single leg second qualifying round tie and G err a rd, right, is demanding a fully focused approach from his team against their semi-professional opponents on the Victoria Stadium’ s artificial pitch.
“There is enough exp e - rience in my squad now to realise that if we think we can come here, turn up and not approach it right or show the right attitude or mentality, try and drop our standards, then the game will be complicated,” said the Rangers manager.
“If we come here and continue what we have done since the beginning of the season, which is to show a real hunger and desire to get results, be defensively strong and organised and carr y a threat, I’m confident we can get the job done.
“But in no way, shape or form are we going to dis respect the opponents. Because I’ ve been round the game long enough – if you drop your standards or drop your guard, it can become complicated.
“It’s beautiful surroundings, a unique stadium. There are no excuses for us in terms of the size of the stadium or playing on astroturf.
“It’s something we should be accustomed to now because we have quite a few domestically.
“We are here to do a job, we are here to be professional. I want the players to really show a strong mentality.
“We’ve had two excellent runs in this competition over the last two years. You have to come to places like this in the qualifying round sand do a professional job, get over the line and get in the next round. That’s what we are here for.”
G err a rd is aware of how motivated Lincoln Red Imps will be to try and replicate the stunning 1-0 win they recorded against Celtic in the first leg of a Champions League qualifier at the Victoria Stadium back in 2016.
“I’m sure their players are really looking forward to this game,” he added. “It’s a fantastic shop window for them, being on the TV and playing against Rangers. I’m sure they are going into the game with a cup final mentality. The least we have to do is match their desire and hunger for the game before a ball is kicked. So that’s what I’ll be all over the players for from now until kick-off.
“Four years ago they got an incredible result (against Celtic). It happens in football around the world, in any competition. If you don’t match your opponent with the necessary standards, then of course you can have problems.
“I’d like to think I know my players well enough that they will approach it right but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Rangers are without both Ryan Jack and Brandon Barker after scans on the respective calf and hamstring injuries they suffered in Saturday’s 4- 0 win over Dundee United confirmed they will both be absent for several weeks.
But Alfredo More lo sis in contention for a return to the star ting line -up after recovering from the gashed knee he sustained in a challenge from United defender Ryan Edwards.
“We’ll make that decision (on Morelos) when we need to,” said Gerrard. “But in terms of his fitness, he is available. He trained fully with the group. I’ve spoken to him after training and he is fine.”
Gerrard is hoping for another influential display from Romanian playmaker Ianis Hagi who he feels is close to finding his best form after as low-burning start to the campaign.
“Different players take different amounts of time to get up to speed,” said Gerrard. “But Ianis is certainly looking close to what we saw at the back end of last season before C ovid kicked in.
“It’ s great to see because when he’s at his best, he’s certainly a big help to the team and the squad.
“I want him to thrive on every game, I want him to be consistent. When you are a young player, growing and evolving, one thing you have to strive for in your game is consistency.
“That’ s going to be Ian is’ biggest challenge. A club like Rangers is perfect for him because the supporters, staff and everyone connected with the club will demand that from him.
“That’ s what he wants– the kid doesn’t want an easy ride. He wants to continue to be challenged, tested and pushed. He’s got that from me, don’t worry about that.”