Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says his team are intent on causing more surprises in this season’s Europa League [RangersTV].
The Gers drew 1-1 with Young Boys on Thursday evening to secure progression from Group G in nervy circumstances.
Alfredo Morelos scored after 30 minutes, but that was all the hosts had to show for a dominant first half and when Borna Barisic put through his own net in the 89th minute, it made for an incredibly tense four minutes of additional time.
The late equaliser ensured the Gers didn’t win the group, but they still go into the hat on Monday and the manager is confident his team are capable of taking on any opponent.
“Anyone,” said Gerrard when asked who he’d like to draw in the next round, as captured by RangersTV. “Look, we’ll get who we’re given, I think we’ll be the team that other teams might fancy playing against, but I’m sure Porto, Feyenoord and Young Boys felt like that when the [group stages] draw was made as well.”
“So, one thing I can assure our supporters is that when it comes round, whoever it’s against, we’ll go and give it our best shot to go and surprise a few more people.
“Hopefully we get a little bit of luck on Monday, but we’ve just qualified in front of some big teams, so we’re ready for whoever we play against.”
Verdict
Rangers fans suffered in the final stages of Thursday night’s contest, but players got over the line in the end.
Clearly, finishing second in the group means the calibre of potential opponents is raised, with the likes of Ajax and Inter Milan dropping down from the Champions League.
Yet, as usual, Gerrard’s words here will be music to the ears of the supporters.
There’s no fear on the part of Rangers heading into this draw and nor should there be. By progressing from Group G, they’ve shown an ability to mix it with and outperform top European clubs, and although tougher challenges lie in wait, there’s every chance this group will rise to them.
