Nick Ware

Thu 11 March 2021 16:02, UK

This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming Rangers games. Ahead of our first-leg clash with Slavia Prague, we spoke to Yon Pulkrabek, who can be found on Twitter @pula77.

–––––––––––––––––

Rangers will face a stern test in the last 16 of the Europa League as they pit their wits against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City slayers, Slavia Prague.

The Czech outfit stunned most of the football world after emerging victorious from their two-legged tie against the Foxes without a blot on their copybook, swatting aside the Premier League team 2-0 at the King Power Stadium after a first-leg stalemate.

That result showed this Slavia side are no pushovers and they could be the dark horses in this year’s competition so Rangers must be on top form to take anything out of their first encounter in Prague on Thursday.

At Ibrox News we asked Slavia Super Fan Yon Pulkrabek for his thoughts on the game, the players to keep an eye on and what he thinks will happen on Thursday evening.

You share a similarity to the Gers in that you are still unbeaten in the league. What has been the secret to your success this season?

The manager – Jindřich Trpišovský. Since coming in, he’s won two titles on the trot, a domestic cup and knocked Sevilla out of the Europa League. He’s managed to bring in and develop players who make immediate contributions and replace guys like Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal, who are now fuelling West Ham’s surprising Premier League campaign.

How did you overcome Leicester City who were billed as clear favourites in the last round?

I think the secret is something that centre back David Zima said after the first leg, which was that this side wants to measure itself against the best. That’s the attitude Trpišovský has imbued in this group.

What was the Slavia reaction to drawing Rangers?

Joy and a bit of disappointment. Trpišovský (who you’ll see in his ever-present Klopp-esque monogrammed baseball cap) said immediately after the second leg with Leicester that he wanted to face Rangers. Most of the players seemed pleased that it was an opponent from the British Isles with a real ring to its name. Like I said, this team wants to measure itself against the best. For example, one of the players said something to the effect of: “We get Rangers now and then we take out Manchester.” As fans, we just wish we could be there in person. I remember going to a Czech Republic – Scotland qualifier years ago and sitting in the Scottish supporters’ section and the experience I had that night with the Scots was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had as a football fan.

Who do Slavia fear as the main threat from Rangers?

We don’t hear much about the Scottish league here. Obviously, the biggest attraction for most fans will be Stevie Gerrard. And every football fan of a certain age also recognizes the name Hagi, but to be honest, there hasn’t been the fanfare or foreboding that preceded players like Messi, Lukaku, or most recently Vardy.

Abdallah Sima has been making headlines recently, what has he brought to the Slavia side and does he have the talent to reach the top?

He’s been a revelation, full stop. You don’t see his talent on Czech pitches. In terms of skills, he has the complete package in terms of ball control, pace, passing, and striking ability. But his most dangerous weapon may be in the air. He’s got the leaping ability of Michael Jordan. At this point, it’s hard to imagine we won’t see him playing in one of Europe’s top leagues next season.

Are there any other key players we should be watching out for?

Alexander Bah. He was key against Leicester, and he’s another young, exceptionally skilled player who can move the ball with pace. Another one to watch is Lukáš Provod, who has been on a bit of a hot streak lately and scored against Leicester. His midfield partnership with Nico Stanciu in distributing the ball will no doubt be a focus for Rangers’ defence.

What can you tell us about how Slavia will set up in the first-leg?

Our manager does not change his tactics. He wants his sides to play a high-pressure pressing defence. I’d even say the strength and cohesion of that defence absolutely surprised and baffled Leicester. On offense, it will be about quick counters that adjust to a possession-based attack in the midfield. I think Rangers fans will be surprised at the quality of our side and would be mistaken to underestimate what is a very formidable European side that has a track record of playing bigger clubs extremely competitively.

How confident are you for Thursday?

This is the Europa League round of 16, so a Slavia Praha fan can’t be too confident. Any club at this phase is going to be a real challenge. However, I really like our chances. This club has proven it can step up against a more renowned opponent and force their style of play on them. We’ve shown a good run of form over the last few weeks, and we’re relatively healthy. I’m hoping for 2-0, but my head says 1-0.

Rangers cannot take this game lightly – Slavia will be a formidable opponent and they will certainly pack more of a punch than Royal Antwerp, even if the Belgian side did slot five past Allan McGregor.

With Sima in the ranks they have one of Europe’s hottest emerging properties who will be eager to showcase his talents once more ahead of the summer transfer market.

A draw would not be the end of the world for the Light Blues but scoring at least once could be crucial in the event of away goals taking precedence.

In other Rangers news, see our exclusive with a Prague journalist on where the game could be lost for Slavia.