Steven Gerrard spoke to the media about a host of issues in the build-up to Rangers' away Europa League clash with Benfica.
What challenge will Benfica pose?
"We come into it in confident mood. We've started the season ever so well, we've got the majority of the squad available, and fit and ready to go, so we come in a good place but we've got big respect for Benfica. They've got talented players all over the squad, players who are worth a lot of money. They've got big experience in European competition.
"I'm sure they are still hurting a bit from not qualifying for the Champions League and I'm sure they'll want to react to that and go all the way in this competition. You can see why they're certainly one of the favourites. They've also got a manager who's got big experience. A successful manager. It's a tall order, a big ask but one that we want to give it our best shot in."
How's the Rangers squad looking right now, and will last season's Portuguese experience help?
"We're fully fit in terms of health. We're fully fit and there's no one missing from the weekend. That's good news.
"In terms of our experience last year from Portugal, we can certainly tap into that experience and use it as a belief going into tomorrow's game, but it's a different challenge, a different team. Benfica have started the strongest in terms of the Portuguese teams this season.
"It's a big challenge, it's a huge challenge, but of course we're going to have to try and find a performance that was of the level of Porto and Braga if we're going to have a chance, that's for sure."
Will it be surreal competing in an empty Estadio da Luz
"I don't think it will feel surreal. We're here now at the stadium. The players are having a look round at where they are going to be playing tomorrow. I think you've got to use that as motivation. It's a world class stadium, a fantastic place to play. The pitch is in great shape.
"These are the places you want to come and play. It's a great shame, all of the players and myself are gutted it's not going to be a full house because it's a wonderful place to come and play football.
"It is what it is. We're used to playing behind closed doors now. I don't think it's going to change any time soon. Certainly in the near future. We just have to get on with it. But we've just had a walk around the place and it's a fabulous place to test ourselves."
Can Rangers overcome Benfica's record-breaking home form?
"I think records are there to be broken. I think that goes to show the size of the task tomorrow. Benfica are littered with fantastic players. International players. Brazilians, Germans, Portuguese, Belgian internationals. They are littered with superstars who are worth a hell of a lot of money.
"But that just gets the juices flowing even more and it makes you want to get a positive result even more."The players are looking forward to this game. We've started the group stage very well and we want to build on that with a positive result."
How do you keep those not in the starting XI happy?
"I think everyone's professional in the squad and understands that you can only start with 11 players. The good thing is we can use five subs which is different from previous years. I understand everyone wants to play but I know my team. I'll reveal that tomorrow and I'll go with a team I think is capable of getting a result on the day. It's horses for courses.
"Just because you're not playing tomorrow doesn't mean I don't rate you and you're not a fantastic player. It just mean that I want certain players, or I want a certain gameplan that suits some individuals rather than others."
Is it easier to get messages across to players in empty stadium?
"I think it's a lot easier to communicate. That's certainly a positive, thinking of the atmospheres we play in front of back home at Ibrox. It's difficult to get full messages on. Especially to people on the other side of the pitch.
"But I haven't noticed any difference in terms of opposition teams. It is different, it's unique. It's not as enjoyable or exciting to play in these atmospheres, but we've got jobs to do. It is what it is. Everyone's in the same boat and we have to get on with it.
"We thought we might have had the opportunity to play in front of 5000, or maybe 20,000, earlier in the week, but it isn't the case. It's a shame because I actually feel for the players. They've done ever so well to get to this stage of competitions, to come up against Benfica, the players should be able to play in front of 67,000 people tomorrow and it would be a top experience for their development."
