Gerrard: Players To Show A Strong Mentality

STEVEN GERRARD has called on his players to show a ‘strong mentality’ ahead of their UEFA Europa League campaign opening at Lincoln Red Imps tomorrow.

The Light Blues trained in the Gibraltarian sunshine early this afternoon in the shadow of the famous Rock, and afterwards, the manager and spoke to the media.

He explained: "They are beautiful surroundings and it is a very unique stadium. But there are no excuses for us in-terms of the size of the stadium or playing on astro-turf - it's something we should be accustomed to now because we have quite a few domestically.

"We are here to do a job and we are here to be professional and I want the players to really show a strong mentality.

"We have had two excellent runs in this competition over the last few years and you have to come to places like this in qualifying and do a professional job, get over the line and get into the next round. That is what we are here for.

"There is enough experience in my squad now to realise that if we think we can just come here, turn-up and not approach it right or show the right attitude or mentality and trying to drop our standards, the game will be complicated.

"If we come here and continue doing what we have done since the beginning of the season which is to show a real hunger and desire to get results, be defensively strong and organised and carry a threat, I am confident we can get the job done.

"But in no way, shape or form are we going to disrespect the opponent because I have been round the game long enough and if you drop your standards and drop your guard, it can become complicated.

"I'm sure their players will be really looking forward to the game. It is a fantastic shop window for them being on the TV, playing against Rangers and I am sure they are going to go into the game with a 'cup final' mentality.

"The least we have to do is to match their desire and their hunger for the game before a ball is kicked.

"That is what I'll be all over the players for from now until kick-off."

Alfredo Morelos will be available for tomorrow’s match after recovering from the nasty gash sustained in Saturday’s excellent win over Dundee United.

Gerrard continued: "He has trained full with the group and trained with the physio yesterday just to clear a few things and just to test it out.

"I have just spoken to him after training, and he is fine and available."

Gers are without Ryan Jack and Brandon Barker, however, with Gerrard explaining: "Jacko will be missing for a few weeks at least. I think with him, we have to take it day-by-day, but we have had confirmation that he has a calf problem, so he will certainly be missing in the short-term.

"It is difficult to put on whether it will be two, three or four weeks at the moment, but he will certainly miss a couple of weeks.

"Brandon Barker as well is similar in-terms of his scan - it's a different muscle from the hamstring, but he will be missing in the short-term as well."

The manager was also quizzed on the superb performance from Ianis Hagi in the win over United, and he added: "I think we saw a real, strong performance from him at Hamilton as well. He got the goal and I think that has done him the world of good for his individual confidence.

"He carried a threat at Hamilton and should have got a brace early in that game, so I was really pleased with him the week before .

"Different players take different time to get up to speed, but he is certainly looking close to what we saw at the back end of the season before Covid kicked-in which is great to see because when he is at his best, he is certainly a big help to the team and the squad."