Steven Gerrard: Rangers must learn swiftly from Motherwell 'education'

Media caption,

Highlights: Motherwell 3-3 Rangers

Rangers' new players must learn swiftly from the "education" they were given at Motherwell, says boss Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard was "bitterly disappointed" with the timing and manner of the 94th-minute equaliser that made it 3-3 and denied his side victory on Sunday.

Peter Hartley's goal was the second Rangers conceded from a set-piece, having come from behind to lead 3-2.

"I always knew we were going to get some bumps in the road, and this is our first real bump," Gerrard said.

"It is my job to make sure this is out of the system as quickly as possible and re-prepare for a huge game in midweek."

Rangers will take a 1-0 lead to Russia on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League play-off against Ufa as they try to secure a place in the group stage of Europe's second-tier competition.

Three days later, they head to Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership for the first Old Firm meeting of the season.

'We've been done by two set pieces'

Gerrard said the direct style employed by Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday was a lesson for some of his players "who are new to the league and are not used to that".

Motherwell captain Hartley caused controversy when he said it was "fun to watch" former Rangers defender Fabio Cardoso "weeping" after breaking his nose in a game between the sides last season.

He also said on Friday there would not "be much respect shown" to Rangers and Gerrard himself conceded to being a little caught out by the hosts' approach.

The former Liverpool captain acknowledged he should have introduced Lee Wallace earlier, the defender coming on to make his first appearance in almost a year just moments before Motherwell equalised.

"In general play, we stood up to them very well - there were a lot of tough performances," Gerrard told Rangers TV., external

"But we have been done by two set-pieces and it is something we are going to have to look at.

"They had four or five big units on there ,then I have a defender sitting behind me who is 6ft 3in. If I've got it wrong I'll take the blame - no problem."

'Gerrard still has work to do' - analysis

Former Motherwell forward and Scotland assistant coach James McFadden

Rangers, for all the strides they have made, are still suspect at the back and Motherwell certainly exploited that.

It is about game management - how do you see a game out? It is very difficult to be under the cosh as much as they were in the last 15 minutes, in terms of pressure and crosses into the box.

They are a young side and it shows that Gerrard still has work to do, despite the massive improvement from last season.

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