Lee McCulloch’s views on Villarreal vs Rangers are as hopeful as any supporter’s could be.
The former Rangers title-winner is looking forward to seeing his old side travel to El Madrigal on Thursday night. He’s also quietly confident of a positive result after also touching on the George Peat fiasco.
Such is the positive attitude instilled at Rangers by Steven Gerrard, McCulloch feels the players will hold no fear. A veteran European performer in his time, McCulloch scored big goals at Lyon and Unirea Urziceni in the past.
He’s now hoping the Rangers stars of today can follow in his footsteps and topple Villarreal.
Speaking in his weekly column in the Evening Times, the former Gers hero stated a Rangers result can’t be ruled out.
“I think Rangers will be quietly confident. There is a confidence there having come through the four qualifying rounds and there is no pressure on Rangers going to Spain.
“The pressure is not as intense on Rangers from the outside but, knowing the way the management team go about their business, Steven and the staff will be looking for a result.
“It shows you how far the club and the team have come in a short space of time and expectation levels have increased since Steven came in and overhauled the squad.
“But it is one to take the experience from, to go and enjoy and to try and win. I wouldn’t rule them out getting something either.”
McCulloch’s views will echo that of the Rangers support. A quiet optimism is sweeping the club ahead of their trip to Spain on Thursday night, and for good reason.
Throughout Europa League qualifying, Rangers looked consistently solid at the back. That defensive steel is going to be needed once more when they travel to El Madrigal.
Meanwhile, up top, the Gers are in clinical fashion. Granted, they could’ve and should’ve scored more goals against Dundee on Saturday. But generally, Gerrard’s men are taking their big chances.
Keeping the ball could be the trickiest part of the night in Spain. Villarreal will have large swathes of possession, where as Rangers will need to make it count when they have it.
McCulloch knows the drill. He’s been in plenty of similar situations for the Gers before. His optimism comes from a place of knowledge, as he knows what it takes to succeed on the European stage.
The match, however, will be a first for many of Rangers’ young stars. The majority of Gerrard’s starting XI will only be playing in Europe for the first time in their careers. Learning from Villarreal is also of extreme importance.
Winning, however, is the foundation of this football club. Gerrard and the players will know that, and they’ll take a quiet optimism to Spain on Thursday night.
