RB Leipzig winger and Spain international Dani Olmo has played down facing Rangers in the Europa League semi-finals and claims his side didn’t want to draw the Glasgow club.
The talented 23-year-old – who joined RBL in a £17m (€20m) deal from Dinamo Zagreb January last year – was speaking as the German side prepare to head to Glasgow.
But whilst RB Leipzig’s financial prowess and 4th place Bundesliga status makes them firm favourites, Dani Olmo has been talking down his side’s response to the Rangers draw.
The Gers have already dispatched top German opposition this season defeating Borussia Dortmund 6-4 on aggregate and European opposition are well aware the club are no mugs.
This is something being echoed by Dani Olmo ahead of the Rangers clash as the winger refuses to talk down the Glasgow giants.
In fact, the winger insists he would rather have drawn a different team than Rangers at this stage of the competition.
RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo wary of Rangers challenge
“I would have preferred to face a different rival in the semi-final and not Rangers. But in a European semi-final any opponent is dangerous,” said Dani Olmo [Daily Record].
“Our quarter-final against Atalanta was hard and to win in Italy is never easy.
“But now we’re focused on Rangers and our objective is to be in the final in Seville. Rangers are having a big season in the Europa League.
“I have enormous respect for the Scottish club and I’m convinced it will be two intense matches.
“To play the second match at Ibrox offers more problems for us so we want a good score at home – but we don’t fear the Glasgow atmosphere. The success of this team is in our spirit and maybe that can make us Europa champions.
“But Rangers have an excellent squad. The chances of reaching the final are 50/50. I doubt that’ll change after the first match.”
Rangers travel to RB Leipzig to play the first leg on Thursday the 28th of April before they play the return back in Glasgow and Ibrox on May 5th.
Meanwhile, Rangers have been handed an Old Firm injury boost ahead of their clash with Celtic at Hampden.
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