OUTSIDE the stadium, the Skopje branch of the Liverpool Supporters’ Club — giant banners and all — had turned out to greet him. Inside the Philip II Arena, the welcome was even warmer for Steven Gerrard. Gerrard says it’s all about Rangers not him or LiverpoolWillie Vass How to claim your FREE £10 bet 1 Register for Sun Bets here 2 Bet £5 or more 3 Sun Bets will stick a £10 bet in your account Remarkably, most Macedonian journalists hadn’t come to ask questions. They’d gathered to worship a man one reporter described as a “legend who everyone loves”. The same scribbler didn’t even look embarrassed moments later when he asked for a photograph with his hero. It was a snapshot into the world of Gerrard, who very politely reminded those fawning over him he is now the manager of Rangers — and that he’s here on business. While some will forever associate Gerrard with the Anfield club, the man himself wants to carve out a new reputation as a coach. Undoubtedly, that would be enhanced if he delivers silverware success for Rangers. That is the only thing driving the 38-year-old at present. He smiled: “With all due respect, it’s not about myself or anything to do with Liverpool right now. “It’s about being here for a very important game. It’s the second leg of a Europa League game and we’re here for business and for a result. Gerrard talks to his squad during training sessionWillie Vass “Obviously Liverpool are a huge football club around the world and they get a lot of attention. I was used to that as a player. “But it is also very important for me to be respectful to why I am here, the job I am here to do and that is Rangers. “I am here to get a result and that is my priority, so it is important that I let people know as politely as I can that I am here for a different reason and it is not Liverpool.” On chances created in the first leg, Rangers should be out of sight. As it stands, they arrived here in Macedonia with only a two-goal lead to protect. Gerrard believes the fact Shkupi will have to open up and have a go should aid their chances. He said: “Shkupi are losing 2-0. If they come with an aggressive style and try and get back in the tie I think that will play into our hands. “If they push and play aggressively they will have to take risks, so we need to be ready and organised to pounce and kill the tie. “We know it will be hot and humid and that it might be a tricky surface, but we are ready for whatever is thrown at us. “The scoreline suggests Shkupi have to be aggressive. They are the home team and they are losing by two goals to nil, so it doesn’t make sense for them to sit back. We will be ready for an aggressive game. Gerrard addresses the media in MacedoniaWillie Vass “It would be disrespectful to single out one player from their team. They came with a game plan and they were very well organised. They were difficult to break down. “I respected their game plan at Ibrox, but I am expecting something different in the second leg.” While mindful of the heat and humidity, Gerrard won’t stand for excuses if Gers fail to progress to the second qualifying round. Yet he admits he will order his players to manage the conditions as they bid to avoid a repeat of last year’s embarrassing early Euro exit. He said: “The style of play will change throughout the season, when you are away from home against certain teams, or the scoreline might dictate how you play or what tactics or game plan you go for. “If we are losing the tie here and we have to chase it, we come with a different style and might have to be a bit more aggressive. “But they are the ones that are chasing the scoreline, so you might see something different. “Local journalists were searching for my game plan and my tactics. I don’t think in the heat and conditions it makes sense for us to go gung-ho and fly all over the pitch and press and harass them and suffocate them. “There will be a slight change of game plan, of course there will. Tavernier and Co are put through their pacesWillie Vass “Listen, the only pressure we fear tomorrow is representing Rangers because it’s a huge football club. “We come into the game with our confidence high, so we are more looking forward to the match.” Gers completely dominated last week’s first leg at Ibrox and despite the missed chances Gerrard was happy with the outcome. He wants more of the same from his players in Macedonia, if only a bit more ruthless in front of goal. Gerrard said: “I don’t even think it’s a case of players getting used to each other. It’s just players getting used to the season again. “We’re just three and a half weeks in and playing football is the final touch, in the final third. related stories GERS DETERMINED Gerrard refuses to give up on Cooper deal with THIRD bid expected this week DONE DEAL Rangers flop Eduardo Herrera joins Santos Laguna on loan TITLE PARTY Rangers can win league title this season, says Arsenal starlet Charlie Gilmour CITY BREAK Rangers flop Aaron Nemane ‘is on trial’ at English League One side Bradford City STAY AT HOME Scott Arfield 'has not travelled’ with Rangers squad ahead of Shkupi clash SOL OVER? Rangers target Dominic Solanke hints he will stay at Liverpool next season “You need that little bit of skill or sharpness and we are still getting tuned in. We are getting used to each other as a team, of course we are. But the thing that will come further down the line is that sharpness and that killer touch and being ruthless in front of goal. “If we had no summer break and came back a lot earlier I’m sure the chances that came our way last week we might have taken. “But at the same time, we have to give the players a break to put last season to bed and freshen up because we are going to be together until the end of May playing big football matches.” Keep up to date with ALL the latest news, transfers and goals from Scottish football plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Source: Scottish Sun, News
Source: Scottish Sun, News
