Roland Vrabec, manager of Progres Niederkorn, has spoken to the Glasgow Evening Times ahead of tonight’s clash against Rangers.
The Gers take a 2-0 advantage into this second leg fixture at the Stade Josy Barthel, but the German boss hasn’t given up hope.
Instead, he hopes to invoke memories of 2017 with a view to pulling off a similar embarrassment.
“Our aim at the beginning will be to defend well, create more chances than in Glasgow,” Vrabec told the Glasgow Evening Times. “We had two good ones at Ibrox at the end and have to make them in the first half.”
“If we concede a goal it will be very, very hard. It’s important for us to score the first goal, then maybe the Rangers players and everyone will think about two years ago and then there will be stress. We expect Rangers to try and score the first goal to be safe.
“It will still be a lesson as we have to be patient and defend well. It will be tough but we have to be able to help each other on the field and defend well and we have to fight.”
Vrabec wants to shock Rangers in the capital
A lot has changed for the Light Blues since that fateful day in 2017. Pedro Caixinha is long gone, as are many of his players.
For the few who remain, though, the defeat is bound to still sit fresh in the memory.
Based on Vrabec’s comments, we’re unlikely to see a gung ho approach from the hosts. They’ll try and keep themselves in the tie first and foremost, before looking to capitalise on any nerves in the away camp.
Realistically, though, Progres’ gameplan should be of no real concern for the Gers. With so much more quality in their squad, if they come out with intensity and execute their own plans, this should prove to be a straightforward affair.
