By Stewart Fisher
STEVEN Gerrard expects his players to show no fear in the famously hostile atmosphere of the De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam. Feyenoord’s giant bowl-like arena is famed for its intensity and that should be the case when a travelling support in excess of 3,000 turn up for a match which could see the Ibrox side reach the last 32 of the Europa League if results go their way.
While Gerrard re-iterated his hopes that the club’s fans will be on their best behaviour, he sampled the stadium for the first time in Dirk Kuyt’s testimonial this summer and feels his players are already relishing the prospect of playing here. “We bring the players here to see it, walk on the pitch and get a feel for it,” said Gerrard, who also revealed that a fee of £50m wouldn’t be able to prise Alfredo Morelos away from his team this January. “And you can see their eyes light up. It’s wonderful arena to come and play football in. It’s almost built like a baseball field, the fans are right on top of you and the atmosphere is going to be world-class.
“This is what they all want,” he added. “ It’s what they signed up for. They shouldn’t be spooked by it or fear it. All I ask from them is to go and be themselves, be brave, stand up and do your job for the team.”
While it took a late Rapid Vienna goal to eliminate them last season, Gerrard’s players can almost touch it. Better Porto’s result and a place in the last 32 is theirs. “It would have been mind-blowing if we’d done it last year given what we had available,” he said. “This year we’ve had more time together and have more experience. We’ve got two options to do it, but I want it done tomorrow if we can. Would I take £40m for Morelos? No. And you can add another 10 on as well.”
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