Rangers have learned their fate in the Champions League qualifying draw as Philippe Clement looks to overcome all the odds to guide his side through.
The manager has yet to see his side score a goal from open play against good opposition so far this pre-season and Europe’s elite tournament is no place for goal shy strugglers, especially ones who won’t be playing at fortress Ibrox.
Rangers already knew that Twente, Union Saint Gilloise, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kyiv, Partizan Belgrade and Lugano could be their potential rivals in the third round before the winner-takes-all play-off shoot-out.
Champions League attempt is an uphill battle for Rangers
What do we know so far?
The dream/plan is for Rangers to qualify but there are two scenarios that see the damage slightly softened.
Europa League group stage football is guaranteed for a start.
Potentially, the Light Blues might have to play two qualifying rounds to play to get into the Champions League proper, however, defeat sees Philippe Clement’s side drop into the second-tier tournament.
The big compensation is, if Rangers go out at the play-off stage they would receive £3.6m.
The second qualifying round ties haven’t been played yet but Rangers will have to get past Partizan Belgrade or Dynamo Kyiv to make it to the promised land.
Rangers will play away from home in the first leg of the week of the 6/7th of August with the second leg, at Hampden, the week later.
Rangers need to strengthen to give Philippe Clement a chance
On current form, Rangers will struggle.
There is a reason why Philippe Clement is so keen to get extra reinforcements in:
“We need extra bodies and extra quality to be successful,” said Clement when asked if his current squad is good enough to reach the Champions League group stage.
“I always believe that with your squad you can succeed, because otherwise, you cannot get results against Real Madrid with a team like Brugge.
“Everyone said that was impossible. But if you don’t believe it is possible, it will never happen.
“So it’s about the mindset of the players. They must believe in themselves and be hungry to become better because it’s not only about quality, it’s about work rate, it’s about mentality, it’s about what you do every day. I’ve seen players that are now better than they were six months ago.”
For Rangers to qualify, every key player needs to be fit and every player has to play above their normal level.
Against Man Utd in the first half, there were nine good performers, all it took was two players to play poorly and Rangers went 1-0 down at the break.
The fine margins make a big difference against better players.
Clement will be hoping that the Rangers board dig deep to give him the players he needs before the qualifiers rather than once it is to late to give him a fair chance.
