‘Standout’ – Peter Crouch blown away by what he saw in Rangers win v Braga
Peter Crouch has claimed that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s passion for continental success could guide the Gers all the way to the Europa League title this season.
The Gers put in a masterful performance in Portugal in midweek as they beat SC Braga 1-0 on their own turf to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition.
And Crouch, who signed for Liverpool just weeks after their famous Champions League win in Istanbul 15 years ago, believes that the boss could be key to another unlikely silverware win.
Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, he said: “One of the standout results of the week was Rangers’ 1-0 win in Braga. I’ve played at that stadium and it is a horrible, unforgiving place. It feels like it has been placed in the side of a mountain and it is curious as there are no fans behind either goal.
“For Rangers to go to Portugal and upset the odds was fantastic and will have given Steven Gerrard a huge lift.
“His hopes of leading Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title may have evaporated in recent weeks but why can’t they go the distance in the Europa League?
“Are they the best team in the competition? No, but Liverpool were not the best team in the 2005 Champions League and that didn’t stop Stevie lifting the trophy.
“He comes alive for European nights. He might have a few more to enjoy in the coming months.”
Can Rangers go all the way in Europe?
If we’re being completely honest, the Gers are probably not one of the favourites to lift the Europa League this season.
After all, just by making it to the last 16 they have surpassed many expectations, and have made history in doing so.
The reality is, however, that their next match against Bayer Leverkusen will not be an easy one at all.
This is a side who are fifth in the Bundesliga, and who strolled past FC Porto without breaking a sweat in the last round.
Rangers will have to be at their very best to get past them, but we said the same about Braga, and the lads managed to do it then.
In short, are we likely to win the whole competition? Probably not – but never say never, especially when Stevie is at the helm.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Reignited Gers talent can surely leave Hearts broken in Scottish Cup clash.