Steven Gerrard calls on ex-Liverpool teammate for help ahead of Rangers v Brondby
Steven Gerrard has revealed in his pre-match press conference what he and his Rangers players can expect from their Europa League fixture at Brondby.
The Scottish champions face a crunch clash against their Danish opponents on Thursday, with both sides in need of a positive result to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Rangers have won one and lost two of their opening three Group A matches, sitting one point behind second-placed Sparta Prague. Brondby, meanwhile, have picked up just one point thus far, and are desperate for a victory.
And, speaking to the media ahead of Thursday evening’s clash [Daily Record], Gerrard revealed that he’s been in contact with former Liverpool teammate Daniel Agger, who is now manager of Danish outfit HB Koge.
“I spoke to Daniel Agger about the Brondby support, how lively they are going to be and how much they will be up for this game so it’s going to be a real tricky tie from that point of view,” the Rangers boss said.
He went on to predict how they could set out.
“I think Brondby are in a must-win situation, where they lie, and they have almost got nothing to lose. I think they will go for the game, I think they’ll be aggressive and come for us,” he continued. “So we have to take a lot of things into consideration in our planning and make sure we are ready for whatever comes our way.
“I think with their support and a full house, if Daniel Agger is telling me the truth and it’s one of the best atmospheres in the world, then we have to be ready for a real fascinating challenge.”
Superior quality
The Rangers boss is completely correct in saying it’s a must-win fixture for his side’s hosts. Brondby are on one point from three games in Group A, and face premature elimination should they lose on Thursday and Sparta Prague get an unlikely result against Lyon in the group’s other tie.
However, the Rangers boss must not neglect his own necessity for victory. With only two places resulting in passage to the last 32 of the competition, the Scots must find a way of leapfrogging Sparta and claiming second place – with top spot looking a formality to the so far-perfect Lyon.
It won’t be an easy task. Along with an inevitably lively full house, Brondby boast an impressive resurgence in domestic matters. A record of six wins in seven across the league and cup in recent weeks shows their strength.
With Rangers’ quality on show, however, the visitors should have enough to overwhelm their opposition. And, whatever ‘fascinating challenge’ may come their way on the night, Gerrard’s side must make their superiority count.
In other Rangers news, Gerrard is predicted to make two changes after his team news update versus Brondby.