Brian Laudrup predicts outcome of Rangers v Frankfurt
Brian Laudrup has showered praise on Giovanni van Bronckhorst and feels Rangers have a big chance to win the Europa League this season.
The Bears will face German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the final at Sevilla on May 18.
Laudrup suggests that Frankfurt are a brilliant side but the Gers should see off the challenge and pull of an historic win to lift the trophy.
“It’s now led to this. And you have to say that playing Frankfurt is as good a chance as Rangers could get to win a first European trophy in 50 years,” wrote Laudrup for The Scottish Daily Mail (17 May, 76).
“Oliver Glasner’s team have been quite mediocre in the Bundesliga and put all their attentions on the Europa League. They have been sensational in this environment, beating Barcelona and West Ham to make the final.
“Really, though, Rangers have already beaten two better teams in Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig. That doesn’t necessarily make the final any easier but, to me, it’s a 50-50 match-up at worst.
“When Steven Gerrard then left last November, it was difficult to try and argue that Rangers would have the continuity to go all the way to the final.
“But they are there and they deserve it 100 per cent. Absolutely no question about that. Giovanni van Bronckhorst has done an outstanding job — simply brilliant.”
High hopes
Rangers must not get carried away.
These players haven’t been in a major European competition this far before, and it’s easy for them to lose their nerves.
However, Giovanni van Broonckhorst has seen all of these. As a player, he has played in big European matches, and he knows how to deal with the pressure.
The Gers players will feel the pressure but it’s important to keep your head cool and stick to the game plan.
The one thing that can work in their favour is experience, no matter how little it is.
The Bears, who already defeated two strong German sides will feel they can come up with any challenge thrown at them.
Likewise, they have come from behind to win games, which will provide them with the energy and determination to fight back even if they concede an early goal.
It’s all about settling their nerves, hopefully, they will clinch the trophy.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist absolutely furious with UEFA over ticket scandal for Rangers v Frankfurt