Gerrard: 'Maribor had no respect for us'

Gerrard's side held on to a 0-0 draw in Slovenia which put the Scottish side through, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

Gerrard's men will face FC Ufa of Russia in the play-off round next week, with a group-stage place at stake.

Speaking to the Rangers website in his post-match press conference, the former Liverpool captain felt as if Maribor underestimated his side. 

"They had confidence, they had ego, and they are devastated," Gerrard said.

"They had no respect for us, but my players have proved over two legs we are better than Maribor, and that gives me great confidence going forward."

The draw in Maribor was their eighth competitive match of the season, and the Ibrox manager believes there is still more to come from his group.

"My players are giving me this so early, and they are showing they can carry out instructions having only been together for a short spell," he added.

"I believe we will improve the squad with more personnel and become stronger. And as a group, we will continue to grow.

"When we are at Ibrox, there is a certain way of playing. But when you come to difficult places, you have to show a different side and we are doing that very well at the minute."