Nick Ware

Wed 17 March 2021 20:10, UK

This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming Rangers games. Ahead of our second leg clash with Slavia Prague we spoke to Michal Woloszcuk, who can be found on Twitter @scofield_sks.

–––––––––––––––––

Rangers host Slavia Prague on Thursday in what could prove to be a titanic tussle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Last week’s clash in Prague was a tense affair as the Light Blues battled back from early adversity to cancel out Nicolae Stanciu’s opener through Filip Helander 10 minutes before half-time.

Despite Steven Gerrard’s side edging possession in the second period the game remained tight as both sides seemed content to settle for what they had and head back to Glasgow to finish off proceedings.

Ahead of the reverse fixture on Thursday Ibrox News spoke to Slavia Super Fan Michal Woloszcuk to get the opposition reaction to last week’s draw and how he thinks Thursday’s clash will play out.

Last week’s game proved to be a tight affair between two sides who give little away, do you think the draw was a fair result?

In the end, I think it was a fair result. I felt respect from Rangers to Slavia early in the game which resulted in that stunner of a goal by Stanciu. After that, we kind of sat back for no reason and didn’t take advantage of the momentum. Then it was a little bit of a fluky goal from a set-piece after a couple of bounces. The rest of the game was pretty even although I think we had a better chance to win in the last seconds.

How was this received in Prague?

I think generally we are a little disappointed with the result as we feel we were better individually and had the edge especially early in the game. But it is still a good result to take to the second leg and we are ready to play better at Ibrox.

What did you make of Steven Gerrard’s side in the first leg?

Honestly, I expected more from Rangers. I don’t know if they were tired of celebrating the title but they were a little bit shy early on until they scored that equaliser. Obviously, they managed what they wanted – scored a goal and didn’t lose so they should be happy. Both teams can play better and I expect that in the second leg.

Did you identify any weaknesses in the Rangers ranks?

For me, the weak spot of the Rangers team is central midfield where we are, in my opinion, technically better and also faster. Rangers have fast players at the sides where I think we have the most space for improvement. Our wingers, Peter Olayinka and Abdallah Sima, didn’t have good games in the first leg and this is the route we should take to score a couple of goals if we want to go through.

How confident are you for the return leg on Thursday?

Obviously we need to score goals to advance so I think there is going to be an early push by the hosts and then we will, hopefully, take over as we did at Leicester City. I think both sides will be better offensively.

We will miss David Zima who has been superb this season in our defensive line but I am pretty sure Simon Deli is going to have a strong game. Honestly, I am pretty confident because I know what we are capable of. My bet is 3-1 for my red & whites boys. Sorry guys. I am just sad that it will be without fans. What an away day it could have been at Ibrox.

Full focus required

This will not be easy as Slavia proved in Prague just how tough a nut they are to crack.

The fact that Rangers have had a full week to rest and prepare for this fixture may just play into out hands however, as the Czech side were thrust back into action only three days later away to Mlada Boleslav who they saw off 3-0.

Stanciu was the main man for them again as he scored two first-half goals and Gers will have to be wary of his threat and apply more vigorous pressure this time around to avoid a repeat of last week.

The task ahead of Gerrard and co is clear – guard the goal and all is well. If we do not concede we go through.

It may just prove to be a bit more difficult than that but one thing is for sure, we should be in for a feast of knock-out football at Ibrox on Thursday.

In other Rangers news, Jim White hits out at Scottish Government ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm.