James Tavernier spoke well in terms of Rangers game plan against Liverpool in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter.
As far as this challenge goes, it will be easier said than done to return to Glasgow with any points secured given the level of the opposition with individuals such as Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Thiago, Firmino and more.
The Rangers captain spoke of a desire and a need for his team to be brave. That doesn’t necessarily mean jumping into tackles but of course there will need to be a high level of energy and commitment if they are to have any chance.
More than that, it is about making the right decisions, playing the risky pass, winning individual battles and rising to the occasion.
The skipper was upbeat on the back of a fine result on Saturday against Hearts but he acknowledged that this next game will be a different proposition entirely:
“We have to be brave on the ball. We know they have got one of the best front three’s in the world, and we have got to try and keep them quiet the best we can for as long as we can.”
“It is obviously different to the Scottish league and it is about fine-tuning when to sit back, when to press, when to catch them on the counter attack and when to keep the ball.”
“The boss has really well drilled us. We had a good week leading up to this game so we know what we need to do tomorrow – we just need to stick to the game.”
Chance
In what will be the first competitive meeting between the clubs, Rangers are significant underdogs but it wouldn’t quite be accurate to say that there is nothing to lose.
Another committed performance is the least expected but the team have to give their all to secure a credible result. Getting beat by a team of better quality is acceptable but it’s about the manner of it, if that is to happen.
Can Rangers get a result? Yes but it is unlikely even if Liverpool are leaking goals just now. Their recovery at home to Brighton to secure a draw on Saturday shows that they cannot be taken lightly at any stage of the game.
What a game for the Rangers players to make a statement performance if there ever was one.