Rangers are now at a stage where they have to start prioritising the Scottish Premiership over Europe.
How crazy that may sound considering Rangers are just two games away from European qualification, right? A win in Viennna or even at home to Villarreal would just about cement their place in the last 32.
Despite that, however, Rangers are now right on Celtic’s tails once more. We’re now three months into the season and the Ibrox side remain just two points behind Brendan Rodgers’ side in the league.
That’s despite the fact the club have been busting themselves trying to make a mark in Europe. Granted, so have Celtic, but Rangers have certainly prioritised the Europa League over much of their domestic matches.
Now, however, they can sniff Celtic’s blood once more. Despite the fact it’s probably more likely that Rodgers’ men nip away from Rangers again, this is now a golden opportunity.
Steven Gerrard ultimately wants Rangers to be competing in the Champions League. That’s where the mega-money is, and that’s where the club need to be in the future. This can only be done by eventually getting to the peak of the Scottish game.
Rangers can throw their talent at trying to make a mark in the Europa League. That will probably get the club no further than the last 32. Whilst the Rangers fans would indeed love a stab at that, it’s important not to lose sight of what’s most important to the club’s fans – toppling Celtic.
The club would never be forgiven
If Rangers don’t end 10-in-a-row, the club will never be forgiven. The mismanagement in affairs will prove to be a darker shade than it already is, and Gerrard will be out of a job.
Therefore, when the opportunity comes to try and eat into Celtic’s gap and overtake them, it has to be taken. Celtic need to feel the pressure of their rivals breathing down their necks if they’re to give Rangers any hope this season.
In that respect, these Europa League matches over the next month come at a real inconvenient time for the club. If it comes down to it, it’s important Gerrard chooses his best starting XI for key league fixtures. Rangers, at the moment, aren’t in a position to drop players and have more than enough in the tank to overcome the opposition. It’s important not to be that dismissive.
With a huge Winter schedule coming up, Gerrard is going to have to make some big decisions. One of them, therefore, simply has to be taking advantage of whatever slip-up Celtic give them.
