MX23RW : Wednesday, November 4 19:36:18| >> :60:14:14:

Livingston manager Gary Holt: 'Rangers are a very well-oiled machine'

Livingston manager Gary Holt: 'Rangers are a very well-oiled machine'
© Reuters
The Glasgow giants have won 13 and drawn twice in 15 matches in all competitions this season.

Livingston manager Gary Holt believes Rangers are benefiting from giving Steven Gerrard time to instil his methods.

Gerrard is yet to win a trophy as a manager but has led Rangers to the Europa League group stage in three consecutive seasons and his side have begun the Scottish Premiership campaign in impressive fashion.

Gers have won 13 and drawn twice in 15 matches in all competitions this season and kept 12 clean sheets.

Holt, whose side visit Ibrox on Sunday, said: "They certainly seem to be a very well-oiled machine at the moment.

"They have got that mettle, that bit between their teeth, that they know what is expected of them.

"I think that comes from a longevity of being able to build and to play, people coming in knowing the system and how the manager works.

"We are too quick to judge people, too quick to say 'it's not good enough, need to get rid of him, we need to be winning trophies'.

"People need time, time to bed in their ideas. I always hark back to what Sir Alex (Ferguson) did at Manchester United, it's the biggest indication.

"And I know you don't get time these days, I understand that, results mean the most.

"But they certainly seem to have a very good squad with everyone pulling in the right direction and a lot of players that Steven has brought into the club as well.

"They have got momentum, they have a hungry squad, they have players coming off the bench, people sitting in the stands who want to be part of it.

"There are no grumblings, they are all focused on wanting to achieve the one thing, which is to win the league, and to win games of football. And that's a great trait to have.

"So it's going to be difficult but it's a challenge and there is nothing better than facing a challenge and going toe to toe."

Holt's side have had as much success as anyone against Rangers this season, holding them to a goalless draw in August. It was the only time this season Rangers have failed to score.

When asked how they can get something at Ibrox, Holt said: "By sheer hard work, sheer graft, by sticking to the game plan, understanding that you won't dictate possession, dominate it. Yes we want to have a fair share of the ball, but they're a very good side playing at home.

"We know we will have to have a game plan, there will be areas where we have to double up, help your mate out, but when you get the ball you have to show you are brave enough and deserve to be on the pitch to play.

"That's something we always talk about, concentrate on what our strengths are. Yes we know Rangers have players that can hurt you but we need to stick to what we are good at because if we don't and we just worry about what Rangers are going to do to us, it will be a long afternoon."

ID:419620:cQx

Click here for more stories about Gary Holt

Click here for more stories about Livingston

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Livingston's Marvin Bartley in action with Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos in August 2020
Read Next:
Livingston's Marvin Bartley ready to give 100% against Rangers
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1RangersRangers1311202932635
2Celtic1182128101826
3Hibernian127321710724
4Aberdeen117221711623
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd134451017-716
6Kilmarnock124261514114
7Motherwell114251313014
8Ross County13337822-1412
9St Johnstone12327916-711
10Livingston133281322-911
11St Mirren10217615-97
12Hamilton AcademicalHamilton112181325-127

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!