STEVIE: FEAR WE GO GERS
STEVEN GERRARD insists Rangers took the first steps last night in restoring the fear factor to Ibrox.
The Light Blues demolished Bury 6-0 in the new manager’s first game in charge – and he declared they’re ready for next week’s Euro adventure against FC Shkupi. More than 41,000 turned up at Ibrox to watch new
boy Scott Arfield claim a double in a man-of-the-match display, with further strikes from Jamie Murphy, Nikola Katic, Alfredo Morelos and kid striker Zak Rudden.
The Europa League qualifier against the Macedonians on Thursday is a sell-out and Gerrard has promised to give Rangers fans a team worthy of their support.
He said: “The performance was pleasing. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of a good, strong, positive win full of energy.
“We also asked for desire and commitment and we saw lots of that, although it was the clean sheet that was most pleasing for me.
“We’ve spoken to the guys over the last 17 days about how important it is to be a difficult team to play against.
“Teams who come into this stadium need to start fearing Rangers again and what Rangers are about. I saw a lot of positives in our play, out of possession, and of course with the scoreline there was a lot of quality in it as well.
“There is still tons of work to do but in terms of a base and a platform for the players and the staff it’s a case of so far, so good.
“I’m reasonably pleased. We are now ready for the challenge of Europe. The expectation and pressure is going to be completely different from tonight.
“Yes, there were 40,000 here, so there was a slight bit of pressure, especially for the new players getting judged for the first time.
“After what happened last year, we know there is going to be a lot more pressure on us next Thursday but I’m confident come kick-off the players will be ready to go.”
Gerrard, who revealed James Tavernier will retain the captaincy for the new season, started six of his seven summer captures and is still in the market for more. He revealed it’s touch and go if other targets, including Umar Sadiq, will be signed before the game against Shkupi but was satisfied with the debut show of his new boys.
Gerrard added: “Connor Goldson did exactly what I expect of him.
“That’s why we spent the money we did. We felt he was a Premier League player all day long.
“Allan McGregor kept a clean sheet and that’s what I want from my keeper.
“Defensively we were sound, the two centre backs were dominant. It’s important we stress Nikola Katic is still a baby in terms of experience as a central defender. I have to manage him very carefully.
“I said to the players in the dressing room, ‘Look, there are no excuses out there. The pitch is fantastic, they have come to see you, they are going to walk away with opinions, they are going to judge you tonight. This is the first time we’re going to get judged, you have a responsibility as a Rangers player to entertain them.’
“They went out there and delivered and the supporters haven’t been disappointed either. There were 40,000 here for a friendly and with all due respect, it’s not one of the glamour friendlies.
“AC Milan or Real Madrid haven’t rolled in here, when you’d expect it to be full. It’s holiday time, a lot of people are away from home. The turnout was fantastic.”