Rangers take on Lyon in the Europa League knowing that six points out of six would see Philippe Clement’s side with one foot in the play-off round at least.
There are still tricky waters for the manager to navigate in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd, however, a win against the Ligue 1 outfit would give him confidence when facing the big two of what is a difficult draw.
What it would also do, is give the squad confidence that the performance against Malmo isn’t a one off and that improvements are being made by Rangers – a point that Cyriel Dessers is keen to make, as reported by The Rangers Review.
- READ MORE: Rangers Europa League Squad 2024/25
Cyriel Dessers thinks Rangers are heading in the right direction
Dessers typifies this Rangers team.
On his day, he is capable of excelling in the Europa League.
On an off day, he’s barely capable of coping with teams fighting relegation in the Scottish Premiership – as are Rangers.
The Gers number nine is confident that the new look team is on the right tracks though:
“Around the Rangers, there’s always a lot of criticism. And we have to accept that, we have to take it, we have to try to take some things from that, learn from it.
“But we’re focused on our own performance. And I think we’re on a good way. We’re growing, you can see that. We got a few new players in and we’re mixing it all together. But obviously, last Thursday was a beautiful night for us as a team. If you see in the second half against a good team, you have to really stick together.
“It’s not like a team night out, but it was a team building activity! Stick together, work together, fight together. You see how everybody fought for the team. And that makes me really happy, I’m really proud. That gives me confidence for the future as well. The manager always said it was going to take time.”
Rangers looking to maintain momentum against Lyon
Dessers is right.
With Rangers, there is never a happy medium.
They are either winning or losing.
If they are in second place, everything is analysed to the nth degree regardless of results.
Aside from the Old Firm, recent performances have been good to the extent that almost every result could have been heavier in Rangers favour.
The Europa League is a different matter though and Clement will want to match his recent impressive away form in the competition by making Rangers a force to be reckoned with at Ibrox once again.
