Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s European stats have always been impressive. Tonight, however, he could add another amazing achievement to them.
The former Champions League winner with Liverpool could become the first ever Rangers manager to win in Spain tonight.
The Gers face Villarreal in their opening Europa League clash, and it’s as difficult fixture as anyone could’ve imagined. Gerrard’s men will need to be at their ultimate best to get anything from the match. But if they do, it’ll be just another string to Gerrard’s bow.
Of Rangers’ 11 trips to Spain, they’ve only drawn two of them. The other nine have ended in disappointing defeats. There can be solace taken from the fact that they’ve never lost at El Madrigal however. The Gers have only played at Villarreal on one occasion away from home, and drew 1-1 despite coming so close to winning.
Rangers’ other European draw in Spain came at Valencia back in the European Cup Winners’ Cup of 1979-80. The score there was 1-1. By and large, however, Rangers’ form in Spain has been dreadful.
“To be the first Rangers team to defeat the Spaniards in Spain? I’d love that – and, knowing my players in the short space of time, I’m sure they’d love that too.
“The difficult thing is actually going out and carrying out the game plan and doing everything right individually within that. It would be some achievement, but what a carrot.
“These players have got over the majority of the challenges set them. They have been excited by the challenges. They don’t seem to be timid or afraid of them.”
Air of confidence
The air of confidence that the Rangers manager carries is delightfully refreshing. Instead of the frustrating pessimism of Mark Warburton, or the absolute nonsense of Pedro Caixinha, there’s a determination in Gerrard.
Rangers supporters can be left in no doubt that the manager is going to ensure his players know their game-plan. If ever there seemed a Rangers manager ready to go out and fire the side up for a first ever win in Spain, it’s Gerrard.
The likes of Walter Smith and Alex McLeish failed to do it in the past with highly-successful Rangers sides. It, therefore, certainly can’t be taken for granted just how big a win at Villarreal would be.
But this is a Rangers side determined to prove everyone wrong. A Rangers team determined to make waves. A win tonight, and this will be a side breaking even more ground.
