‘TALKING DOESN’T WIN YOU MATCHES’
Gerrard says Osijek’s pre-match verbal attacks backfired in Europa League clash
STEVEN Gerrard insisted Osijek’s pre-match jibes backfired on them as Rangers came through a tense night at Ibrox to seal their place in the Europa League third qualifying round.
Nikola Katic’s header was cancelled out by a deflected 89thminute striker from Borna Barisic but Gerrard’s men held firm to seal a 2-1 aggregate win.
The Ibrox boss hailed the character of his side – claiming he was ‘jealous’ of Ryan Jack’s performance in midfield – as Rangers set up a home first leg against Maribor next Thursday.
Osijek midfielder Robert Mudrazija and manager Zoran Zekic had been critical of Rangers’ quality in recent days, with Gerrard refusing to becoming drawn into a war of words beforehand.
“Talking doesn’t win you football matches, it doesn’t get you results,” said the 38-year-old. “Sometimes it doesn’t help your players, it just motivates the opposition.
“We thrive on all that kind of talk. We enjoyed it. My players came out and played like men and we did our talking on the pitch.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the players and now it’s all about dusting ourselves down for a big game at the weekend.”
Allan McGregor made several excellent saves on the night that he set a new record of European appearances for a Rangers goalkeeper. Gerrard lauded his contribution but also singled out Jack in the midfield anchor role, insisting it exemplified a new toughness at the club.
“We are going to have moments when it’s a bit turbulent and backs against the wall,” he added. “But that’s the reason we brought in leaders and characters like Allan McGregor. When you need him to be big, he’s big. We brought in two centre halves who have been outstanding.
“As a midfielder, I was jealous of Ryan Jack’s performance. It was stunning. Now people are feeling us, they know we are not a soft touch.
“I had watched Ryan from the outside, but it’s not until you get close up to these players that you see what they are about and how hungry they are, how they live their lives.
“I think I have got a good type on my hands there. He is a player who cares, who wants to win and is prepared to go out on the pitch and do exactly what you have asked of him.
“I think he made one minor mistake there in 90 minutes in a big football match. This is a kid who missed six months at the back end of last season. I am delighted with Ryan’s performance.”
Gerrard felt this progression was a significant milestone for his emerging team, who now head to Pittodrie for tomorrow’s mouthwatering Premiership opener.
“Not many teams will come here as good as Osijek,” he added. “So we have passed two very good tests in the past seven days, considering the time we have been together and the changes made. I’m very happy.
“We are new but I think we deserve to be where we are. We should have taken a few more chances tonight, but I asked the players to give everything they’ve got and they did that. Over the two legs we did exactly what we wanted to do and needed to do.”