Pressure will mount if we lose to Sparta Prague, says Steven Gerrard
The Ibrox side lost their opening Europa League clash against Lyon
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
Steven Gerrard says their clash with Sparta Prague isn't a 'must not lose' game - but admits the pressure will mount if they don't take something from the fixture.
The Ibrox side are heading to the Czech Republic for their second Europa League group match.
They lost 2-0 to Lyon at home in their opening fixture and sit bottom with zero points at this early stage.
Gerrard says it's important they pick up points from the tie to ward off any future tension - but doesn't think it's the end of the world if they lose.
He said: “We’re well aware we haven’t got off to the best of starts.
“I think losing your first game always adds a bit of tension and pressure to your second game.
“We’ll certainly take that and take the responsibility for that.
“The game plan is to go and try and win the game. We need a top performance to try and take maximum points.
“But if we can’t find that performance or result it’s important we take something away from the game, because if not, the group becomes more complicated.
“There’s obviously less points available and it adds even more pressure.
“The plan is to take something out of this game, ideally three points. If not then take something from then we’ve obviously got a couple of home game to come.
“I wouldn’t say it’s ‘must not lose’, it’s not the end of the world – but it certainly adds a lot of pressure if you don’t take something from it”.
Gerrard also issued an injury update ahead of the game in Prague.
He said: "Scott Arfield missed training on Tuesday but is back available.
"Him and Steven Kelly will both come back in and travel with us. They were both outside the squad at the weekend.
"Robby McCrorie will also come back in and travel with us.
"Steven Davis is a bit older so we don't want to force him to play every game this season.
"John Lundstram being a positive in there the last couple of games will certainly help Davis as well in terms of what level he can give us moving forward".