STEVEN GERRARD says he isn’t prepared to sacrifice success in Europe or in the domestic cup competitions to throw everything at stopping Celtic winning nine-in-a-row.
The Rangers manager maintains that the league is his top priority this season, but believes that if he played down the importance of the other fronts on which Rangers are fighting he would soon find himself out of a job.
That is why he will be treating today’s Premiership opener against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park with the same importance as Thursday night’s Europa League qualifier against FC Midtjylland.
“I don’t think it’s all about the league, I think it’s about trying to bring some success back to the supporters,” Gerrard said.
“The league will always be a priority for me and whatever manager follows me. And it was always a priority for those who came before.
“At all big clubs the league is your bread and butter but at Rangers you’re never in a position to focus on just one tournament. It wouldn’t be allowed, and it wouldn’t be accepted.
“If I was to sit here now and say I’m not interested in the two cups or qualifying for Europe, I’m only interested in the league, I think I would be packing up my office.”
Gerrard is sure that he now has the strength in depth to cope with the hectic schedule that is ahead of them in these early weeks of the season, but says he won’t be resting key players from here on in, even in the run-up to the first Old Firm game of the campaign on September 1st.
“Europe is the reason why the opening fixtures in the league for Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen are a tougher challenge now,” he said. “Because important Premiership games are sandwiched in between crucial qualifiers.
“We've had good preparation to know what's coming for us in the next few weeks. But I'm sure the other big clubs involved would echo how difficult it is.
“The Kilmarnock game is between two qualifiers, if we progress to the play-offs one of those important games will be before the Old Firm game.
“But we have to be ready for it. That's the reason why we've tried to add quality to the squad with more strength in depth – to front those challenges.
“When I picked the team for Thursday night it was with a view to Sunday. But the Kilmarnock game is so big, it wouldn't enter my mind to rest anyone at the weekend before playing Midtjylland.
“We want a result at Kilmarnock then we'll get everyone ready for Thursday.”
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