Petrov: Gerrard will make Celts up their game
Jurgen Klopp has agreed to be one of the managers in Stiliyan Petrov’s fundraiser at Celtic Park next month.
The Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers’ successor at Anfield, will take charge of James Milner’s visitors in the “Match For Cancer” on Saturday, September 8.
Petrov’s home side will include Hoops legends Henrik Larsson, Lubo Moravcik and Artur Boruc as well as his fellow-bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov.
Milner’s line up is yet to be revealed, but Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is expected not to take up his invitation to take part.
“I can’t comment on Gerrard other than to say he has been asked and would be more than welcome,” said the 39-year-old, who battled through leukaemia after being diagnosed in 2012.
“When James announces his team, you will see. It is going to be managed by Jurgen Klopp, so you can see we have been working very hard!”
Petrov was happy, however, to talk about the impact he believes the appointment of the Liverpool and England icon will have on the Scottish game, predicting it will actually be a help to his former club.
“The last couple of years, Celtic have been able to take their foot off the gas for a few weeks,” he said.
“Now Rangers have Steven Gerrard, and the way he works, they will need to push again.
“You may now see an even better Celtic. The players will have to raise their level and their game.
“I think having Gerrard at Rangers will make Celtic more competitive.
“If Celtic make the Champions League, they will need competitive games, they will need to be pushed.
“It is great to see Celtic reach the group stage, but I want to see them go further.
“They won’t be able to do that if they don’t have good competition domestically.”
From a Rangers perspective, he thinks there is a need for patience.
“It is a positive change, but Celtic have run away from teams such as Aberdeen and Hibs, so first of all it’s about Steven competing against Aberdeen and Hibs, then they need to go to Celtic.
“I don’t think it will be four or five-nil against them this season.
“These games will be closer because he will bring that fire and desire to win and you can see that already – they are more organised, stronger and fitter.
“They have signed some good players, too, but challenging for the title? It’s still too early.
“Celtic are way too experienced and have a better, more balanced team.”