Cedric Itten shares Rangers v Servette verdict in Champions League
Former Rangers striker Cedric Itten has suggested that if Servette can survive the first leg of the Champions League qualifier at Ibrox, they could beat the Light Blues.
The 26-year-old striker struggled during his time in Glasgow, scoring only eight times in 49 appearances for Rangers but has rediscovered his form since going to BSC Young Boys in his homeland.
Itten admitted that the game at Ibrox will be a blast to watch, and he believes that the overall tie is currently 50/50 when trying to pick a winner.
Discussing the European tie with the Daily Record (8 August), Itten said: “At Ibrox Stadium, it’s going to be a blast. Servette have to be ready. Rangers will be pushing hard. You have to be prepared for that and counterattack fully. If you can get through that, a lot has already been won.
“Servette surprised me in a positive way against Genk and did a great job. They already did a very good job last time. Now they have added even more quality. Everything is open. It’s 50/50.”
Spirits are high
Rangers have already had their first shot across their bows this season with their opening-day defeat to Kilmarnock and things could get seriously ugly at Ibrox if they fail to reach the next round of the Champions League.
Money has been spent in abundance on the blue side of Glasgow and there is a feeling that this squad should be beating Celtic to the title it has even been dubbed Champions League-ready by CEO James Bisgrove.
The time for talking has now passed and instead, the fans need to see performances on the pitch to encourage them that Michael Beale is the man to break Celtic’s recent dominance of the Scottish Premiership and make Rangers a force in Europe again.
It does seem slightly drastic to be having this sort of debate only one game into the new campaign, but such is the demand for success at Ibrox it will only take a few disappointing results for heads to turn in the Rangers fanbase. Neither the players nor Beale can afford to let their chance in Europe slip.
In other Rangers news, Steve Clifford has questioned whether the Light Blues need more variety upfront