Steven Gerrard understands why some players were shocked by Rangers schedule

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The Ibrox boss was speaking about the heavy run of matches Rangers face this Autumn.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard believes some of his signings last summer were initially taken aback by the demands of the club’s heavy fixture schedule, The Scottish Sun report.

When taking part in European group stages the Ibrox side have play Thursday to Sunday football on a regular basis, with the pressure on to win most of, if not all, of their matches.

It’s a mental and physical strain and one he thinks some of his stars were not used to, such as Connor Goldson and Scott Arfield.

However, he does feel more confident now they’ve learned and adjusted from last season’s experience.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Gerrard said: “It was a shock to a few. Someone like Connor Goldson, who came from Brighton as a squad player, wouldn’t have been having that schedule on a regular basis.

“Scott Arfield wouldn’t have had that at Burnley either. That’s probably the reason we suffered certain setbacks along the way.

“The experience of last year, knowing what’s coming, players preparing better and having more volume and quality in the squad is certainly helping us at the moment.”

What’s on the horizon for Rangers?

There’s no doubt that the next month is a difficult one for Gerrard’s side.

After disposing of Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday, they’re right back into action on Wednesday night and it’s a long trip to Dingwall to face Ross County.

That’s one of four away matches between now and the end of November, with the others coming against Livingston, Hamilton and Feynoord.

With a home match against Porto and a Hampden semi-final against Hearts to consider, as well as an international fortnight, it’s a brutal run that could make or break their season in multiple competitions.

Gerrard however clearly feels his side are in a better place this season compared to last and that bodes well for the Ibrox club.