Lyon scoreline was slightly harsh on Rangers, says Steven Gerrard
The Ibrox side lost 2-0 in their opening Europa League match
Last updated 16th Sep 2021
Steven Gerrard thinks Rangers were slightly hard done by in their 2-0 defeat to Lyon in the Europa League.
The Ibrox side lost their opening group match at home after a first-half strike from Karl Toko Ekambi and a James Tavernier own goal.
It's their first defeat in the Europa League group stages in Glasgow under Gerrard but he says he doesn't want to criticise his players too much.
He told BT Sport: “We gave a lot to the game and I don’t want to be too critical because I think for large parts we showed we can compete at this level.
“We played some good stuff and created some half decent openings.
“Their keeper has made a top save from Ryan Kent which would have got us back into the game at 1-1.
“We created some decent moments without being clear cut. I think the scoreline is slightly harsh on us.
“We have made two mistakes in the game, clear mistakes if you like.
“We’ve had the ball turned over in the first half and we have been punished for it because good players do that to you.
“I’m a bit disappointed with our defending on the second goal. We allowed the ball to be switched, Greegsy (Allan McGregor) makes a great save but our reactions are not good enough.
“The players know at this level you will be punished. With all due respect, domestically if you give the ball away in those areas maybe you will get away with it.
“But not at Europa League level against high caliber players. If you turn the ball over while the team is open you leave yourself vulnerable".
Rangers have now lost four of their opening 11 matches in all competitions this season after going the full Premiership campaign without defeat last time out.
Steven Gerrard admits his players haven't found their stride yet this campaign and is looking for a reaction this weekend when they return to domestic action.
He said: “I don’t think we’ve hit top gear yet. I’ll openly admit that.
“We’re trying to get a settle team, a settled squad. We’ve had to deal with a number of things but I’m not going to point any fingers or make any excuses.
“We have deal with the situations. Swat this aside, we have to react against Motherwell".
Ryan Kent was forced off in the second half with an injury with Steven Gerrard giving an update on him after the match.
He said: “Yeah he can feel something in the hamstring. So we’ll assess that and check it out and obviously come back to you once we get the news on that.”