STEVEN GERRARD reckons the Europa League has helped him become a better boss as he looks to guide his side into the knockout rounds once again.
Rangers will qualify for the last 32 with victory over Standard Liege tonight and could still top Group D this term.
Gerrard's side excelled on the continent during his first two seasons and the 40-year-old is targeting another significant step forward this time out.
Gerrard said: “It’s done a lot. I feel I am more educated, I feel I am a better coach for my experiences over the last couple of years.
“But it’s not about me and my own development. It’s about Rangers, the team’s progression and the evolution of this football club. It’s about getting close to where we need to get to and we all know that’s success.
“In reality in Europe we’re not going to be the favourites to win this competition but the progression is there for all to see and that’s something we need to continue to grow.
“That comes with financial gains and putting the club in a better position. But to answer your question, I do feel as though I have learned a lot.”
Rangers should have taken more than two points from their double-header with Benfica as late goals proved costly at the Estádio da Luz and Ibrox.
But they have shown they can mix it with the best at this level as they now look to clinch qualification with a game to spare this term.
“I suppose there’s an element of potential, I still would describe us as favourites or anything like that," Gerrard said when asked about Rangers' chances of a prolonged run. “We need to stay quiet on that and just keep doing what we’ve been doing.
“We’ve got ourselves into a position where two really strong performances to finish could see us top the group which is probably unrealistic considering we were in the third pot.
“You need a bit of luck along the way and consider it will get parked up until February so let’s see what happens in the window.
“There’s a lot of aspects you’d need to go in your favour to ensure progression to the latter stages. No one is even thinking about right now. The main focus is trying to ensure qualification.”
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