Celtic scraped into the last 32 of the Europa League, while Rangers failed to do so.
Steven Gerrard has told his Rangers press conference on Thursday – caught by the Gers’ official Twitter account – that Celtic “scraped through”, but wants his side to copy the Hoops’ ability to overcome setbacks.
Rangers suffered a 1-0 loss to Rapid Vienna on Thursday night in the Europa League, meaning they failed to qualify for the last 32 of the competition. Meanwhile, Celtic qualified.
The Hoops also suffered defeat to RedBull Salzburg, when they needed at least a point to qualify. But the loss meant that they had to rely on Rosenborg to help them out – and the Norwegians obliged, drawing 1-1 against RB Leipzig.
Gerrard stated Celtic had got lucky in qualifying for the knockout round which is to be played in February, but wants his Rangers side to mirror Celtic’s stubbornness – which has seen them overcome knocks to return stronger.
“Celtic for example, they scraped through last night,” Gerrard said. “They’ve done really well to get through. But they’ve been together for two, two and a half years as a group.
“They’ve had setbacks in Europe, and they’ve learnt from them and moved on. That’s what happens in football, we aim to do the same – use the setback to grow.”
Rangers hit the bar through Connor Goldson and had half-chances, with James Tavernier, Lassana Coulibaly and Alfredo Morelos going close. But it was Dejan Ljubicic’s 84th-minute goal that sent Vienna into the last 32.
Gerrard was speaking ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership clash against Hamilton on Sunday, in which the Gers need to win to stay afloat with Celtic.
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