Van Bronckhorst wants Rangers to keep shape intact ahead of Dortmund clash
Rangers will travel to Westfalenstadion for the first-leg clash of the Europa League play-off round against Borussia Dortmund on Thursday.
The German giants are struggling for form, but on paper, they are still favourites to win the tie.
Ahead of this match, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has iterated that his side is fully prepared for this game.
There are doubts whether Erling Haaland will play because of an injury. The Dutchman has suggested that the Gers have made plans with or without him.
In the press conference today (16 February), Van Bronckhorst has hinted that Rangers will be looking to keep their shape intact which means they would be cautious in their approach.
GvB said: “Haaland is of course one of the top strikers in the world, we have prepared for the game with or without him. Everyone recognises his talent but we have to be prepared for their whole team.
“We give freedom to Alfredo and all of our attacking players, but of course, there are moments we also have to keep our shape.”
Makes sense
In a big game like this, it is easy to get carried away.
Given that Dortmund will be looking to attack on their home turf and take a healthy lead ahead of the second leg, it is important for Rangers to keep a tight shape.
Even if they end up losing 1-0 or 2-1, they will have a good chance of turning it around when they play the German giants in the return leg at Ibrox.
It is important to keep a strong defensive shape.
Usually, the Rangers forwards are given, a lot of freedom to express themselves but on this occasion, we can expect a solid cautious defensive approach from the visitors.
Ibrox in full capacity can create magical atmospheres, and Rangers will feel more comfortable if they can come out with a draw here, let alone a win.
That doesn’t mean that the Gers will defend throughout the game. Van Bronckhorst probably hinted that they won’t expose themselves at the back.
In other Rangers news, the club could have signed a ‘Combative’ centre mid whose father was an Ibrox icon.