Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has sent a message to his old club Rangers ahead of their crucial Europa League clash against Sparta Prague next week [Daily Mail].
It’s just over a week since Gerrard quit Rangers for Villa, a surprise decision that rocked Ibrox.
He explained in a press conference on Thursday that the opportunity to move back to the Premier League and to be closer to his family was too good to turn down.
In switching Glasgow for Birmingham, though, he gave up Europa League football, and he admitted that he’ll miss the buzz associated with European nights, before wishing the Light Blues all the best for their upcoming game.
“I will miss it because I think every player, coach, manager, fan wants to be in Europe,” said Gerrard [Daily Mail]. “That’s the dream and the long-term goal here.”
“We’ll try and provide that as quick as possible. This club has got a fantastic history and connection with Europe from many years ago so that is a dream for everyone sitting at the table, the supporters, everyone.
“I will miss it next Thursday, I will be watching. I wish Rangers the best of luck because, again, I love playing in it as a player and I’ve loved competing in it as a manager so far. My focus now needs to turn to the Premier League and FA Cup in the short term.”
Gerrard oversaw a remarkable improvement in Rangers’ European performances during his tenure but there wasn’t much to shout about during his final few months in charge.
The Gers were disappointingly dumped out of Champions League Qualifying by 10-man Malmo in August and have limped through Europa League Group A so far.
However, results elsewhere have ensured new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst does still have a big chance to guide the team to the knockout stages, as a win by two clear goals over Sparta at Ibrox next week would be enough to progress.
