Gerrard names ‘one of the favourites’ to win EL as Rangers prepare for Thursday showdown
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard believes Benfica are “one of the favourites” for the Europa League ahead of their meeting on Thursday.
The Gers travel to Lisbon unbeaten in Europa League Group D to face the other 100% side in Benfica.
Speaking ahead of the match, Gerrard was full of praise for the Portuguese side and said that his team will need to be at their very best.
“We have the majority of the squad fit and ready to but we have big respect for Benfica, they are a talented squad and have spent a lot of money,” he said (via Rangers on Twitter).
“You can see why they are one of the favourites in this competition. We can tap-in to our experience from last year in Portugal but it is a different challenge and a different team. For sure, we will have to find a performance of the level of Braga and Porto.”
Big test
With Rangers top of the table and having a 100% record so far in group D, this is the latest big test of Gerrard’s managerial skill.
The win at Parkhead last month was massive in terms of the Scottish Premiership title race, but a win away against a major European power would be a real statement.
Jorge Jesus’ side are currently second in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, having scored 15 goals in their opening six matches, and dispatches Lech Poznan and Standard Liege 4-2 and 3-0 respectively.
Although Rangers have been excellent in defence so far this year, they have not faced as potent a force as Benfica, which could have a huge sway on how Gerrard chooses to set up.
In order to add more solidity, it would be no surprise to see a player like Ianis Hagi sacrificed in order to add an additional defensive midfielder. With a fully fit squad, he has plenty of options to consider.
In other Rangers news, Ryan Gould says what Rangers fans can take heart from ahead of clash v Benfica