Steven Gerrard: Rangers players have 'relaunched' club with Europa League win

Last updated on 30 August 2018.From the section Rangers110

Steven Gerrard claims his players have "relaunched Rangers" after they held on with nine men in Russia to reach the Europa League group stage.

The Ibrox side played with a two-man deficit for 24 minutes against Ufa but held on to clinch a 2-1 aggregate win.

A year after being knocked out by minnows Progres Niederkorn, Rangers have secured European group-stage games for the first time in eight seasons.

"I think this is a big moment for the club," Gerrard told RangersTV.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw, he added: "I saw what it's about to be a Rangers player, which is you give your body and soul for this club. My players did that tonight."

Red cards for Alfredo Morelos and Jon Flanagan either side of half-time made Rangers' path to the group stage more arduous, as Ufa bombarded Allan McGregor in search for the two goals they needed.

Morelos was booked twice in quick succession on 38 minutes - first for kicking the ball away, then for remonstrating with officials - while Flanagan was shown a second yellow card for a high elbow.

Gerrard, who confirmed a deal has been agreed to sign Nottingham Forest centre-back Joe Worrall on a year-long loan, said the pair must learn from their mistakes.

Flanagan later told RangersTV that both he and Morelos have apologised to their team-mates.

"I don't want to criticise anyone tonight," said the Rangers manager, who will now turn his attention to Sunday's Old Firm game at Celtic Park.

"It's not the right time because we've achieved something very special, and those two players have helped that.

"I just hope the players realise they made the job very, very tough for the team tonight and I hope they apologise for it and we move on."

'It speaks volumes' - analysis

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson on Sportsound

It would have been a brilliant achievement to get through with 11 men on the pitch. But to do it under the circumstances and adversity they did is remarkable. It speaks volumes for not only the players he has recruited, but for Gerrard and his management team, too.

It was desire and it was a winning mentality. If people had been speculating that Gerrard had arrived at the club and improved the team, there is no doubt now.

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110 comments

Comment posted by Wee Brian, at 09:37 31 Aug 2018
To get through 4 qualifying rounds was amazing. Not to concede when down to 10, then 9, men showed great resolve. With Celtic’s win later on, Scotland’s standing in Europe is improving.
From a Celtic fan delighted to see both teams in today’s draw.
Comment posted by i-player, at 09:58 31 Aug 2018
To play about a quarter of a match with 10 men and about a further third of a match with 9 men (at any level of football) deserves considerable credit and regardless of what level they have or have not reached in relation to Celtic, Rangers under Steven Gerrard have undoubtedly made progress while Celtic have experienced some declined - albeit from a high water-mark. Sunday will be interesting.
Comment posted by U17133892, at 09:58 31 Aug 2018
A couple of questions for all the hilarious “new club” posters. If Rangers are indeed a “new club” then:

- haven’t they done well to be on a par with the once mighty Celtic in only 6 years?

- given they can’t have any history if they are new, why do you dislike them so much?
Comment posted by Wellesley, at 09:27 31 Aug 2018
Fantastic night for Rangers and Scotland.

Then on come the obsessed. It will be all about Sevco or Tribute Act or Rainjurs Ur Deid.

Playground stuff from weans !
Comment posted by U17131996, at 09:35 31 Aug 2018
@1 Bailey - well said. Great to see Rangers back in Europe where they belong.

Fantastic start to Gerrard’s career in management. All looking very positive for Rangers.
Comment posted by CowalPurple, at 09:31 31 Aug 2018
Stevie Gerrard has certainly given Rangers a bit more spine than they had.
McGregor may well be he best signing of the season in Scotland.
Comment posted by Football_understand, at 10:17 31 Aug 2018
@33 Yeah Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan.....

Complete nobodies

..........................

Excellent for Scottish football last night, two reps until at least christmas, Rangers may find it tougher in the group being in pot 4, but honestly i want the biggest teams possible, just to get those special nights back at Ibrox.

Burnley never made it, shows how tough it is to get here
Comment posted by Darkblue, at 09:33 31 Aug 2018
To go through with nine men is outstanding. Best of luck for Sunday - Dundee fan
Comment posted by contunuityblue, at 09:37 31 Aug 2018
Jeez, my nerves have just about settled back down. That was a lot harder than it should / needed to have been. Fantastic result in the end. Goldson and McGregor were immense - Flanagan scares me sh*tless at left back. Morelos needs to get a grip. I'll admit to being one of the Stevie G doubters to begin with - but more than happy to be proven wrong. Well done Rangers!
Comment posted by David, at 10:27 31 Aug 2018
Why can’t you juvenile children stop winding each other up, both teams have done Scottish football proud by having 2 teams in Europe.
Good for the coefficient so hopefully in years to come they won’t have to play 4 qualifiers etc to get in.
If aberdeen hibs or hearts or whoever gets other chances they will do well too.
So just grow up children.
Comment posted by shadow warrior, at 10:20 31 Aug 2018
Well done Rangers and Gerrard, his determination is reflecting through the players.

Think they might struggle against Celtic but its to early to judge Rangers as the finished article.

Will turn out to be a very long year for Rangers

Good luck to them, has inspired more interest int the Scottish Prem, as its a bit more competitive now
Comment posted by inthroughtheoutdoor, at 09:57 31 Aug 2018
Well done Rangers...hope you drawn in the same group as either Arsenal or Chelsea...Would love to see Ranger play in London again.

If I could get a ticket that is!

@11..."Wee Brian" you are a credit to the club you support...Well said.

A SPURS fan from London.
Comment posted by annieg37, at 10:15 31 Aug 2018
Sad sad people who can't stop obsessing over Rangers....its good for Scottish football but more importantly its good for Rangers!
Comment posted by WePayTooMuchForSport, at 09:58 31 Aug 2018
Well done, simple as.
Comment posted by afz123, at 10:07 31 Aug 2018
Shows the players want to play for Stevie!
Comment posted by U17131996, at 09:53 31 Aug 2018
@12 - oh dear, here we go again...
Comment posted by Aviatorr, at 09:36 31 Aug 2018
I'm not normally interested in the Glasgow derby but I can't wait for this one.
Comment posted by Aye Ready, at 11:09 31 Aug 2018
Well done the 9 men of Glasgow Rangers.
Everyone stood up and was counted .
Steven Gerrard has been quite majestic since he arrived. Unbeaten in league and Europe and good to watch.
Comment posted by James Paterson, at 10:47 31 Aug 2018
Well done to both sides and hopefully with the distraction of Europa another team(s) will help create a good race for the league title. Anyone knows real competition is the only way to improve level of football in Scotland which is good for all supporters who actually turn out to watch their teams games.
Comment posted by dell1966, at 10:25 31 Aug 2018
Well done Rangers hope the sleeping giant is rising from the darkness, always been an English based fan of the blues.

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