Steven Gerrard has warned Rangers Europa League rivals that his team are not just in Europe to make the numbers up.
And more than that, they’re quietly confident they can progress from the group stages.
Speaking before the Villarreal game, Gerrard was in relaxed mood. It’s a massive game for the Club tomorrow and there’s real hope we can stand up to the challenge, but urged caution.
Quiet Confidence
Steven Gerrard said: “It is important we take one game at a time. We are underdogs in the group, but in the dressing room, we have a quiet confidence and belief we can make it out the group. We are not here to make the numbers up.”
It’s a strong message from Gerrard. He has a team who are working hard, have a great unity, and who want to leave a mark on European competition. It begins with Villarreal.
Gerrard added: “I’m really looking forward to seeing us play tomorrow night. The players earned the opportunity to play against a very good team.
“This game highlights how far the team have come. I don’t think many gave us a chance of reaching this stage.”
It’s about playing to your strengths
Steven Gerrard also spoke about how important it is to play to your strengths as a football team, and as a manager.
Whilst it would be nice to think we can go pass the wonderfully technical Villarreal off the park, it’ll be steely grit, determination and quality when it matters which wins the day.
Gerrard said: “When you are a manager, you have to play to your strengths. We want to play football as much as possible, but it’s not always about it looking great on the eye, it’s about winning.”
