Slavia Praha boss admits fear over return leg v Rangers, shares insight on Ibrox pitch
Slavia Praha boss Jindrich Trpisovsky has admitted his fear ahead of the return leg of the Europa League clash against Rangers at Ibrox next Thursday.
The Bears returned to Glasgow with an away goal in a 1-1 draw, which will make them favourites to progress in the competition.
The Slavia boss shared that his side were clearly fatigued as the game continued, something that won’t help for the return leg.
Speaking to the Daily Record after the clash, Trpisovsky admitted that the condition of the Ibrox pitch is made to suit the Bears more.
“There was also fatigue, over time it was clear that the players were no longer so accurate with the ball,” he said.
“For example, McGregor had an amazing intervention at the end. Hats off, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a save like that. Maybe we’ll be luckier next week.
“It will all depend on the condition of the pitch. We have reports – and this was confirmed in their previous match against Antwerp – that the pitch will suit their style of play.”
Brilliant news.
Rangers are in the perfect position to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after a brave performance last night.
Not only do they have that all-important away goal, but they have a clear schedule between the two legs.
Slavia Praha have got another game on Sunday, where Trpisovsky may need to rotate his squad, but the Gers don’t play in the Scottish Premiership for another nine days.
The Ibrox pitch hasn’t been in the best condition over the past few months, with the turf looking heavy and cut up under the studs.
Steven Gerrard and his squad have made no excuses over that though, and have made it work in their favour by continuing their superb style of football.
Trpisovsky and his Praha side should be more fearful of the fortress, rather than the conditions they will be playing in next week.
In other Rangers news, Allan McGregor blown away by Impossible moment v Slavia Praha