Slavia Prague boss might Jindrich Trpisovsky want Rangers in the Europa League last 32 draw – but the manager should be careful what he wishes for.
The Czech side are certainly no mugs but would do well not to underestimate Steven Gerrard’s side like many clubs on the European stage have done before.
The Gers topped a tough group containing Portuguese giants Benfica, Belgian outfit Standard Liege and Polish side Lech Poznan, going unbeaten and finishing on 14 points.
Rangers will prove a tricky opponent for anyone they meet in the first knockout round of the competition and will be hoping for a favourable draw on Monday afternoon.
But with Rangers seeded amongst some top names – including Spurs, Man Utd and AC Milan – Trpisovsky says he wants the Gers in the next round.
“I would like a team that would suit us typologically, someone from the Netherlands, for example,” said Trpisovsky [Daily Record].
“There is, for example, Ajax or PSV.
“An ideal mix would be a club with a big name and at the same time a chance to advance through it.
“If I had to say one particular team, it would probably be the Glasgow Rangers. That would be a good draw.”
Rangers have so far impressed on the European stage this season with big hitters Benfica and Galatasaray bested by Steven Gerrard’s side.
Portuguese high flyers Porto and Braga know all about the side’s qualities and will almost certainly vouch for the Gers as a tough draw.
Slavia might also be top of the Czech first division – were local rivals Sparta who twice thrashed Celtic 4-1 in this competition are third – but Rangers are also light years in front in Scotland.
On top of that, Slavia Prague came second in a tough group containing a Leverkusen side much-changed from the one which dumped Rangers at Ibrox.
Prague managed to beat the 10-men Germans 1-0 in Czechia but were dumped into the unseeded pot courtesy of a 4-0 thrashing in the final group game.
Granted the seeded pot has some big names, but Rangers can hold their own when compared to the likes of PSV, Dinamo or Club Brugge.
If Slavia Prague are expecting an easy ride in Glasgow, they should be careful what they wish for; Rangers are a match for any side in this year’s competition and underestimate us at your peril.
Whilst a clash with Slavia would be an entertaining tie – there is one team in particular Gers fans don’t want in Monday’s draw.
