Rangers have been handed a boost ahead of Standard Liege’s Europa League trip to Glasgow as their manager and star striker are involved in a public row over selection.
Belgian striker Obbi Oularé took aim at Phillipe Montanier after being left on the bench for the club’s 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Anderlecht over the weekend.
The 24-year-old frontman had been sent off in their last Europa League tie with Lech Poznan – even if the Belgians would go on to win the match 2-1 – and was bemused he didn’t start De Klassieker.
“I was very surprised to be on the bench. I don’t know why,” said Oularé [Daily Record].
“I felt I have been getting stronger every match and I was desperate to play in our biggest match of the season against Anderlecht.
“You would have to ask the manager why.
“I haven’t received any explanation from him. We were all just told the team. I haven’t seen him so I am guessing I won’t know why.”
A fuming Montanier would then bite back against his striker as the sorry affair played out in public, insisting the decision to drop the striker was nothing to do with his red card against Lech.
“I don’t have to justify my team selection to anyone,” said Montanier.
“I have a squad of players and my decision not to start with Obbi was in no way a sanction for his red card against Lech Poznan.
“I chose the team according to the needs of the team. I wanted speed in the team and someone to chase the ball down the channels.
“We have had a lot of games in a short period of time and we have a big game against Rangers too this week. We have been lacking energy too and I wanted to change things.”
The Belgian Jupiler League side has had an average season so far on home soil and currently sit in 5th place in the Belgian top tier this season, albeit only four points off Beerschot in 1st.
Rangers can qualify for the Europa League last 32 with a point against Standard Liege as they look to build on a 2-2 draw with Portuguese giants Benfica last week.
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