STEVEN Gerrard believes Thursday night’s fixture against Lyon will be one of the biggest challenges that his Rangers team have faced.
The Gers boss knows the intensity that OL will bring tomorrow night but believes Gers can hurt the opposition to get a strong start in the group stage of the competition.
The Rangers manager spoke to the press today and said: “I hope the European nights keep getting more special here, I've really enjoyed the European nights, but we need to keep getting the results against big teams and high-level opposition.
“I have loved it as a player and as a manager.
“As players, coaches and as a manager, you learn from every match against the top teams. We have had some incredible European games and made some mistakes along the way - that is where the growth comes from.
“European nights with the fans & the players is a real highlight.”
Gerrard is aware of the challenge that Lyon will bring on Thursday night and believes it will be a massive test for the squad but insists his side can hurt the French side.
He continued: “Lyon is a club with Champions League level players, a real big test tomorrow and we have to be at our best in both sides of the games. “You can be punished very quickly against these teams. We also have to have our own confidence and belief to be brave to hurt the opposition.
“We know the size of the challenge and it is arguably the biggest that we have had as a group.
“When a new manager arrives at a team it takes time to build a system and a way of playing. Lyon has high-level players and is a big club with a highly experienced manager.
“We are under no illusion on how tough this game will be, and we have big respect for the team we will face tomorrow.
“This is a fantastic challenge and what a time to be part of this team, this is something that we all want to be part of.
“We have shown we can compete and improve at this level. The challenge is to keep impressing and to go further. One thing is for sure, we won't make it easy for anyone who plays us.”
RANGERS’ hugely exciting UEFA Europa League campaign gets underway on Thursday night, with Olympique Lyonnais the visitors to Ibrox Stadium.
It kicks-off a fantastic group stage for Steven Gerrard’s side, with the pool also containing Sparta Prague and Brondby – and you can watch all three matches in the best-possible style with our award-winning hospitality.
Individual match packages start from just £199+VAT, with a 15% discount applied at the checkout if you purchase all three matches in the one transaction.
As well as witnessing what are sure to be three more memorable games to add to the club’s rich European history, packages also include parking, a matchday programme and a commemorative gift.
Click HERE to view our hospitality options at all three games and book your place now.
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