Decorated Porto defender Pepe has previewed Thursday night’s fixture against Rangers, as quoted by the Daily Record.
The 36-year-old defender has achieved a lot over an 18-year professional career.
He has two Primeira Liga titles from his first stint at Porto and three La Liga and three Champions League winners medals from his time at Real Madrid.
At international level, he has over 100 caps for Portugal and was named in the European Championships ‘Team of the Tournament’ in 2008 and 2012, as well as in 2016, when his side defeated France in the final.
Yet, in his two appearances against Rangers, back in 2005, he lost one and drew one.
That’s why he’s not taking the imminent doubleheader against Steven Gerrard’s side lightly.
Porto star Pepe says Rangers clash will be ‘intense’
“I have played against Rangers before and they’re never an easy rival,” said Pepe, as quoted by the Daily Record.“I remember the matches in 2005. I scored two goals in Scotland but still suffered a defeat.”
“Now, I have the chance to change that and I’d accept a win, without a goal for myself! It will be an intense match and I think we’ll need to show patience. But an early goal would help because it would mean Rangers are obliged to attack us.
“An error, especially at home could eliminate any of the teams…To go out at this stage would be a disaster for Porto.”
Verdict
It’s refreshing to see such an esteemed opponent speak about Rangers with respect.
Of course, early in the group stages, Steven Gerrard used the pre-match arrogance of some Feyenoord players as motivation for his squad, who in turn pulled off a 1-0 win.
There’s no such overconfidence present with Pepe here, though.
He’s aware of the threat this Gers team can pose, and after his side lost to Feyenoord last time out, they’re already fully aware that it’ll be a challenge to escape the group.
After a disappointing slip up at Tynecastle, Rangers must go again and try to earn something from their trip to the Estadio do Dragao.
