Gerrard sure Rangers had full focus
STEVEN GERRARD last night insisted continued UEFA uncertainty could not be blamed for his team’s Europa League loss to Bayer Leverkusen. and, although he remains opposed to playing behind closed doors in Germany next week, the rangers boss says health concerns must override sporting priorities when European football’s governing body make their big decision on both this tournament and the Champions League on Tuesday. Gerrard, who said he’d only found out early yesterday that last night’s first leg of the last-16 tie was going ahead, said: ‘It didn’t affect preparation or mindset. I
have been listening to a lot of noise today. It seems as if a lot of people are making decisions as of now to cancel or alter the situation. ‘We’re told the game is going ahead behind closed doors next week. We’ll follow orders and do what we’re told to do. ‘That’s not great. No player or manager wants to play a game, or even watch an event, behind closed doors. ‘I watched part of the Manchester United game today and it didn’t feel right. Thankfully the (Celtic game on Sunday) is going ahead with the crowd there.’ Expressing sympathy with opposite number Peter Bosz’s preference for seeing the second leg postponed rather than played in an empty stadium, Gerrard said: ‘I can understand his opinion because I don’t think anyone wants to see the remainder of both competitions behind closed doors — or see teams pull out. ‘But I’m not going to sit here after a 3-1 defeat and say the tournament should be cancelled. That’s not the right thing to say. ‘I’m not sure if it’s affected the players. If they’re like me, you go day by day, listen to the news, follow instructions of medical people.’ Rangers were well beaten on the night, referee Szymon Marciniak awarding a penalty for handball against George Edmundson after a VAR intervention prompted the official to watch a replay of the incident on the pitch-side monitor. Kai Havertz rolled in the spot-kick, while Charles Aranguiz put Leverkusen two ahead with a smart finish after 67 minutes. Edmundson gave Rangers some hope, before Leverkusen sub Leon Bailey scored late on.