Europa League rivals Antwerp handed major blow ahead of Rangers clash

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Rangers’ Europa League rivals Royal Antwerp have been dealt a major blow heading into the New Year as their manager reportedly prepares to move to China.

Ivan Leko guided Antwerp to the knockout stages of this year’s Europa League – beating Premier League Tottenham Hotspur on the way – and his side drew Rangers in the round of 32.

But according to the Daily Record, the Croatian boss and former midfielder has been offered a “lucrative deal” to take him to the Far East with an unnamed club.

That report claims that Antwerp won’t stand in Leko’s way if he accepts the offer and that the Belgian Jupiler Pro League side have one eye on former Belgium boss Marc Wilmots if their current boss moves on.

The Belgian side are currently 7^th in the Belgian top tier this season but Leko guided the side to a 4^th place finish last season, winning the Belgian Cup to secure the club’s first trophy in 26 years.

The Croatian manager – who played in Belgium with Club Brugge, Germinal Beerschot and Lokeren as a player – has also previously heaped the pressure on Rangers ahead of the crunch clash.

Leko has claimed that Rangers are the favourites heading into the tie but he may not be taking charge of Antwerp come the first leg on 18^th February next year.

“The fact that we have got to fight for a place in the Last 16 against Glasgow Rangers gives me a very satisfied feeling,” Leko said [Daily Record]

“Rangers are one of the traditionally largest clubs in Europe.

“But when we play to our best, we certainly have a chance and hopefully, that will be the case.

“We are at home first before we go to Glasgow and that’s not a problem.

“But let’s be honest here, every seeded club left in the competition wanted to play us.

“Whoever got us were always going to be the favourites and that’s the case with Rangers here.

“But the favourites don’t always win in football.”

As Rangers look forward to another trip to Belgium this season, just how far can the club go in the Europa League this season?