Steven Gerrard insists he’ll worry about the pounds and pence tonight as Rangers go for broke in the Europa League – while ordering his players to concentrate on the points instead.
The Ibrox club hope to secure another massive Euro jackpot by making it into the knockout stages for a third successive season and Gerrard admits they’ll need to beat Brondby tonight to have any chance of making it through Group A.
But the manager, who conceded his side can’t be expected to compete at this level unless he’s given significant funds to invest in the transfer market, refused to reveal whether or not his spending plans for January are dependent upon an extended run in the competition.
He said: “In my position I’m always aware of the financial implications. I don’t think anyone else has to really concern themselves with that.
“In terms of the players, staff and myself, we need to prepare to win the game. It’s about the points. There are people at the club who will deal with the financial side of it.
“Everyone is aware that not only does European football bring satisfaction in terms of your own personal journey but it’s very important for the club’s resources as well.
“We need to keep doing as well as we can. The aim is to have European football here after Christmas so we all need to keep pulling in the right direction to provide that.
“But in terms of the financials and numbers, no-one needs to concern themselves with it except the people at Rangers and myself. That will always remain private.”
Gerrard has been boosted by the return to fitness of talisman Ryan Kent who could be back in action against the Danes to add to the feel good factor after a 6-1 win at Motherwell.
But he’s waiting for medics to decide if Glen Kamara will be cleared to play as the Finn bids to shake off an ankle injury.
And he warned his side to prepare for a battering from Brondby who are facing elimination after losing at Ibrox.
Gerrard said: “This is almost a one-off because it’s a must-win in terms of us keeping it in our control to get out of the group.
“We have to move on quickly from the weekend, take the positives from it, get the boys ready and come up with a game plan that will be successful.
“We have to realise this is going to be a different environment, a full house. I spoke to Daniel Agger about the Brondby fans, how lively they are going to be and how much they’ll be up for this game.
“It’s going to be a tricky tie from that point of view.
“Brondby are in a must- win situation. They’ve almost got nothing to lose and everything to gain so they’ll go for the game. They’ll be aggressive.
“We have to take a lot into consideration in preparation and planning. We have to make sure we are ready for whatever.
“Europa League games away from home are always a tough challenge but we faced them a few weeks ago so we know them well.”
Gerrard then confirmed Kent is ready to return, with long-term casualty Ryan Jack also on the way.
He said: “Ryan (Kent) trained fully with the group yesterday, came through it and looked pretty good. So he’ll travel, assuming he comes through today’s session.
“Ryan (Jack) is training away. He’ll have an outside chance of being involved at the weekend depending on how this game goes.
“He’s been back in full training for a couple of weeks. The international break is super important in terms of getting work in his legs and maybe trying to get a game behind closed doors for him.
“Glen had a whack on his ankle, actually two kicks on the same ankle, so there’s swelling. There’s been a big improvement overnight which gives him that 50 per cent chance.”
