Rangers: Morelos’ goals were ‘fantastic’ says Gerrard
Rangers take on Aberdeen today in what boss Steven Gerrard thinks is the perfect way to take the focus away from Sunday’s highly anticipated League Cup final against Celtic. Both are in action tonight with the Hoops hosting Hamilton at Celtic Park, while the Gers travel take on Aberdeen at the Pittodrie Stadium.
Related articles
And while Gerrard expects it to be a feisty clash he and his squad are relishing the match.
“We know it will be tough and Aberdeen have turned a corner in terms of their form,” Gerrard said.
“So the challenge is there but it’s a great challenge, it’s a great fixture, and the atmosphere will be interesting up there.
“But for the players these are the games they’ve really got to enjoy and look forward to.
JUST IN: Ballon d'Or voting breakdown: Who voted for who as Messi beat Ronaldo and Van Dijk [AWARDS]
“I’m certainly looking forward to going up there today.
“This fixture takes the focus away [from Sunday] and obviously it’s a very important three points for us.”
Celtic only currently lead Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on goal differences, with both teams equal on 37 points.
DON’T MISS
Man Utd fans send Erling Haaland transfer message to Ed Woodward after record set [TRANSFER NEWS]
Arsenal’s top six options to replace Unai Emery ranked after Spaniard was sacked [TEAM NEWS]
Man Utd owners the Glazers see huge share price surge after Man City deal [TEAM NEWS]
Related articles
Both teams have conceded eight goals in 14 matches, with Celtic having scored one more goal than their bitter rivals.
And while Gerrard knows the players might be thinking about the upcoming final, he is determined to keep the squad’s focus on the match against Aberdeen.
“I’m sure the final will hit us very quickly after the Aberdeen game,” Gerrard added.
“But for the players there will be no talk of the final around here in terms of the preparation because we want to give Aberdeen the respect they deserve.
“They are a good team and I think they have shown that certainly in my time being here.
“I know Derek [McInnes] very well. He’ll fight all the way and he’ll get his players to fight for him to continue to finish as high up as they can.
“So we won’t be writing anyone off.”
And when asked if the game at Pittodrie will give players a chance to stake a claim to play in the final, Gerrard said: “That’s the same in all the games.
“That’s the message to all the players and Borna [Barisic] will be back me up.
“Of course, that magnifies a bit with the final at the weekend but the players have only got to focus on the job that I’m asking them to do against Aberdeen – individually and collectively.
“It’s not wise to think about the weekend so we need to go full throttle from kick-off tomorrow night to do everything we can over the 90 minutes.”