James Tavernier reveals what he told Connor Goldson ahead of Rangers v Frankfurt
Rangers skipper James Tavernier has suggested that he told his teammate Connor Goldson that they have a chance of winning the Europa League.
The Bears have been nothing short of sensational on their journey to Seville, having defeated two German sides – Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig – on their way to the final.
The Rangers players are now just 90 minutes away from creating history on Wednesday night, and if they win against another German side, it will be their first European trophy in 50 years.
This is also a big chance for some of the Gers players to lift the prestigious trophy who could be leaving the club in the summer. One of them is Goldson, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
“You want to compete with the best teams in Europe. It sets a marker where you want to get to as a minimum, you want to beat that, and we’ve done that,” said Tavernier to UEFA’s official website.
“Funnily enough, I had a conversation a couple of weeks ago with Connor (Goldson) and I said, ‘We’ve got a good chance of this’.
“We’ve beaten Dortmund and you’ve got to back yourselves. We’re playing against another team that’s knocked out another favourite in the competition: West Ham are in the Premier League.”
Goldson the giant
The 29-year-old has been a colossal presence at the back.
His performance in the Europa League has been nothing short of exceptional. He has managed 92 ball recoveries, more than any other player in this competition.
This could be his final two games for the Ibrox club. He has a contract till the end of the season, and as of now, the contract talks appear to have reached an impasse.
Goldson has been respectful of his situation and has played with great passion and pride. It seems, he is not worried about his future, rather he is giving his best for the club.
The Gers probably will look to convince him to stay put if they win the Europa League, but at the moment it looks like he is heading for the exit.
Rangers need both Goldson and Calvin Bassey to be on top form on Wednesday in the final.
It remains to be seen how Giovanni van Bronckhorst will shape his team up for this game, but the duo at the back, along with Tavernier at right-back are certain to start.
In other Rangers news, One 25-year-old could now be deemed as surplus to requirements at Ibrox this season.