Rangers News

“People should be excited” – Gerrard gears up for attack on Antwerp

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In the aftermath of Rangers 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock at the weekend, manager Steven Gerrard was very upbeat on the return to Europa League duty.

It is likely that the return to the continental stage will see an uplift in the performance levels of his players which will reap obvious benefits, domestically.

Looking ahead to the trip to Belgium to face Royal Antwerp, he told Rangers TV:

“(On excitement building around he club) Yeah, very much so – people should be excited.”

“We’re in a fantastic place, we want the players to try to enjoy this.”

“We realise it is a very critical, important time but we want them to pump their chests out and really enjoy this journey, to continue the story that they have created so far.”

He added on the re-inforcements who are set to follow.

“The squad is getting healthier, we have Alfredo (Morelos) and Kemar (Roofe) available on Thursday, and then Alfredo is available next weekend as well.”

“(Jermain) Defoe has had a couple of sessions. We used (Scott) Arfield today just to give him a taste of it again.”

“He’s been out for seven weeks but we need to get him up to speed over the next five or six days to be ready for next week but (overall) we are in a good place and we just need to take each challenge as it comes.”

“It is very positive for us”

Reflecting on the narrow scoreline against Killie, Gerrard was very pleased with the performance and application of his players but he bemoaned the lack of killer instinct, wanting his team to be “more clinical and ruthless”.

There was a clear “improvement” from the previous game against Hamilton as the chances created and defensive solidity evidenced further positives to take from Saturday’s game.

Gerrard’s team have a perfect 14 wins from 14 Premiership games at Ibrox this season.

The Europa League encounter will be a step up, but an opportunity that the team should be ready to grasp as all at the club – including fans – look forward to the possibilities in Europe to compliment a very pleasing Premiership campaign that is set to bring the league title home.

Are you excited yet? Bring it on. 

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