While AS aren’t particularly confident about Rangers’ chances against Villarreal on Thursday, Santi Cazorla is looking at it differently.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, the former Arsenal playmaker was asked about Steven Gerrard’s side coming to town, and he had a lot to say about their new manager.
He said, relayed by Mundo Deportivo: “Gerrard has always been a reference for me. I was lucky to play against him in the Premier League and he’s always been a player I’ve looked at, as he was a complete footballer. It’s special for me to once again play against him”.
Of course, the Rangers manager won’t be setting foot on the actual pitch this time, but the Liverpool legend will be on the sideline for his first non-qualifying European game as manager in good spirits, having overseen his side drub Dundee in a 4-0 win at the weekend.
Cazorla continued lauding the former midfielder by wishing him ‘all the luck in the world’ in his career in the dugout, hoping the Ibrox side will turn up, as he wants an ‘intense rival’ on the pitch on Thursday.
Since returning to Villarreal, the 33-year-old has made three appearances, but was left on the bench against Leganes at the weekend, presumably to keep him fresh to play Rangers in the Europa League.
