Ahead of the Europa League Group A clash between the two teams, Sparta Prague star Ondrej Celustka has delivered his verdict on Rangers and their playing style.
Celustka missed a host of matches at the beginning of the season due to injury but has proved his fitness in recent weeks and was selected for press duties ahead of Thursday’s clash at the Letna Stadium.
He’s a seasoned defender with Premier League, Serie A and Super Lig experience and close to 30 caps for the Czech Republic.
However, the 32-year-old still expects Rangers to provide him and his teammates with a big challenge.
“Rangers are a successful Scottish team, we expect it to be a very unpleasant and aggressive opponent,” he said (translated) [AC Sparta Praha Twitter]. “We have to deal with their style. ”
“It would be ideal not to allow the opponent their style. We want to control the game ourselves, be good on the ball and play Rangers with our quality.
“We have technical players, good runners. If we don’t lose the balls and take advantage of our strengths, we can think of success.”
Sparta Prague star drops Rangers verdict ahead of big clash
These are interesting comments from Celustka and perhaps they give an insight into the reputation Steven Gerrard’s side have built for themselves from their impressive European runs in recent seasons.
Lyon expected an aggressive approach from the Gers at Ibrox, too, though, and were surprised when the hosts sat back and allowed them time and space on the ball.
Rangers have players capable of making life uncomfortable for opponents and, without being reckless, it’s important that they do that in Prague.
Sparta are dangerous opponents but the Gers have taken on better sides like Braga and Porto on the road in the recent past and achieved strong results, and there must be a belief from the away side that a point is the minimum they should be taking from this trip.
Meanwhile, Rangers fans have responded after the details for November’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hibernian were confirmed.
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