Exclusive: Local Prague journalist gives Slavia lowdown ahead of Rangers clash
Rangers can take advantage of Slavia Praha from corners in Thursday’s Europa League first-leg clash, according to Ondřej Zlámal.
In an exclusive interview with Ibrox News editor Nick Ware, Czech football reporter Zlámal who is based in the capital, revealed Slavia were granted their dream tie against the Gers but highlighted how the Light Blues can crush their hopes and advance to the quarter-finals.
Slavia are cruising at the top of the Czech First Division as they sit 11 points clear of rivals Sparta and they will be in buoyant mood when Rangers come to town, particularly after dispatching Leicester City 2-0 over two legs last month.
“It was their wish to be drawn against Rangers,” Zlámal told Ibrox News. “Jindřich Trpišovský [Slavia boss] is a great admirer of British football. It will be a great honour for him to lead his team against Steven Gerrard. So, the reaction was only positive, it is a great draw, great occasion.”
Asked how Slavia upset the odds to beat Leicester City in the previous round Zlámal said: “Slavia eliminated Leicester thank to very tactical, organised, pacy football that they showed in both legs. In the second halves of both matches they outplayed the Foxes with more energy, pace, high pressing, and clinical finish of two chances they created. Slavia also used a lot of players in the attack in the certain phases of the game.
“The English side never had a clear chance to score, I was myself surprised by this fact. This was the football that brought them domination in the Czech league this season. Though in the recent games they made a few mistakes in defending, coach Trpišovský prefers positive attacking football, with strong wingers and both left-back and right-back playing high with attacking tasks.
“As against Leicester Slavia will try to avoid making stupid mistakes in the midfield that would allow Rangers to counter-attack. They know that Rangers are capable to punish such mistakes with more accuracy than the opponents in the Czech league. What I myself see as the greatest danger for Slavia are the set-pieces.”
Zlámal predicts a tight affair on Thursday and does not expect Slavia to be on the losing side: “The first leg could be a tactical game from both sides, I am afraid. I know that Rangers score a lot of goals but this is a two-leg tie and avoiding conceding can be a crucial factor. Slavia will go after a goal in certain phases of the game with numerous players in the attacking penalty box and will be dangerous at both wings.
