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Former Rangers favourite Nacho Novo has told Steven Gerrard and his squad to prioritise league action over Europe next season, as reported by The Daily Record.
What’s he said?
Rangers already know their season will start in Europe, playing either Prishtina of Kosovo or St Joseph’s of Gibraltar in the first round of UEFA Europa League qualifying on July 11th.
After making great progress in the competition last season, expectations will again be high that Gerrard’s side can reach the group stages, but Novo reckons that if they get there, league action must take a priority.
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As quoted by The Daily Record, the former Ibrox attacker said:
“For me, stopping nine in a row is more important than Europe. Of course, you always go for a win in every game – draws are no good – but if you had to ask me what the priority is then I’d say the league.
It will be good when the club can really make a big impact in Europe because the fans love those nights but the priority is stopping nine in a row – forget about 10, they need to stop nine.
The fans are all looking forward to the new season and the European games because those nights are fantastic.
Rangers did well last season against good teams like Villarreal but unfortunately we didn’t progress to the knockout stage but it was Steven Gerrard’s first year and it looks a happy place.
I just hope this season the team can qualify for Europe and win the league. But if one has to go, for me, it would be Europe.”
Can Rangers fight on all fronts?
The start of the season will be exceptionally busy for Rangers with Scottish Premiership, Scottish League Cup and European action to contend with prior to the winter break.
Domestic success right now is seen as the main barometer of progress being made under Gerrard so Novo is right to suggest that’s where their priorities lie, and stopping number nine is indeed absolutely crucial.
Rangers haven’t won a major trophy since 2011 and for a club of their size that’s too long for many supporters.
Europe should be an added bonus for the club and an opportunity to pick up momentum in the early summer, but when the Scottish Premiership kicks off in August, that is the competition that Gerrard must build around.