Rangers set to take on Hoffenheim in Germany – Four Lads
Rangers are set to take on Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in a pre-season game in Germany, according to Steven Clifford, speaking on the Rangers Review morning briefing [30 May, 18.59].
The Four Lads Had A Dream writer commented on rumours of other activity over the close season, when he revealed the “exclusive”.
The club has already confirmed pre-season fixtures at Ibrox, against Newcastle United on 18 July for Allan McGregor’s testimonial and then Michael Beale’s side will take on Hamburg on 22 July.
Clifford provided the information on the team from Baden-Württemberg, which could be part of a training camp.
“If you want an exclusive on the friendlies and where we are going, I can tell you that Rangers are close to confirming that they will be heading to Germany and you might see them taking on the likes of Hoffenheim,” he said.
“That will be a fixture but it is not done yet, they are in discussions.
“So Hoffenheim away, in Germany, is much more likely than a game down south (in England),”
Clamour
Hoffenheim would provide a very decent level of opposition as part of preparations for the new campaign, as will Newcastle and HSV.
It is better that the players are tested as much as possible against teams from better leagues, given that the Champions League qualifiers will come around very quickly.
From a fan’s perspective, there is always a clamour for an away day to England, as was the case with the Blackpool fixture last year and prior games in the past.
A trip to Germany and Hoffenheim’s 30,000-capacity Rhein-Neckar-Arena would be an attractive proposition unless it takes place at a smaller venue. Further information will be provided by the club, as and when the pre-season arrangements are confirmed.
With a disappointing season now concluded, the focus shifts to the transfer business over the summer as well as the preparations, including the warm-up games, for the 2023/24 campaign.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has met a player for the ‘final time’ with another transfer set to be announced, according to this report.