Steven Gerrard has shot down attempted mind games from FC Midtjylland coach Kenneth Andersen, as quoted by Sky Sports.
The Gers take on the Danish side in their own back yard this evening, in the Third Round of Europa League Qualifying.
Yet, despite the hosts’ 100% start to the season and decent recent European pedigree, their coach has made a bizarre attempt at disrupting the Light Blues’ preparations.
He claimed the Gers are clear favourites for the tie and that his side would be happy with an against-the-odds draw [Glasgow Evening Times].
Rangers will ignore Midtjylland mind games
Gerrard promptly rubbished the 51-year-old’s comments, insisting they will have no bearing on his team’s approach.
“I’m not really interested in their manager’s predictions or opinions,” said the Gers boss, as quoted by Sky Sports. “It’s not important.”
“My focus is on my own players. They are at home. We’re the away team and we’ll come with a game plan, then we’ll see.
“I think he’s trying to put pressure on our side but I don’t think you can put any more pressure on me or our side, because we represent Rangers and that always comes with pressure.”
It’s a ridiculous notion that Midtyjlland would be at all satisfied with a draw from tonight’s fixture. After all, this is a club who defeated Manchester United at home in 2016.
They’ll be looking to take a lead into the return leg at Ibrox and Gerrard is fully aware of that.
It’s another example of the boss saying just the right thing in the media. There’s pressure on Rangers, as always, but the onus is on Midtjylland to set the pace this evening and it’ll be fascinating to see how it pans out.
Here’s our predicted XI for the big game.
