Servette assistant manager says Rangers clash gives him ‘chills’ ahead of Champions League qualifier
Rangers will face Swiss side Servette in their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, and their assistant manager Bojan Dimic has revealed his side are looking forward to the clash, reported via the Glasgow Times.
Dimic admitted the Rangers side they are set to face will provide much tougher opposition than Genk, who they beat in the previous qualifying round, as they are stronger and more organised than the Belgian side.
He also admitted that the thought of playing in the Ibrox atmosphere, on the biggest stage, gives him “the chills”, and he thinks his side can use the atmosphere to motivate themselves to show aggression, character and a desire to succeed.
Dimic was put up for media duties ahead of the Champions League clash and revealed to reporters: “I have a feeling Genk treated us too lightly. That won’t happen with Rangers. That’s not their style.
“I have watched them and I saw what kind of football they are trying to play. They will be more of an aerial threat with a lot of attacking movements. They are well-organised, stronger and better than the Belgians.
“At Ibrox, the atmosphere of the Scottish fans, the intensity they show means we have to match it with aggressiveness and a desire to succeed. We have to use all this to motivate ourselves and show character. This game will show us exactly who are the leaders in our team.
“It will certainly be a big moment and give us the chills.”
A huge clash for both sides
This match is one of the most important either side will play all season. Servette has a chance to write their names into history, with an opportunity to reach the Champions League group stage, while qualification is key for Rangers both financially and competitively.
Rangers boss Michael Beale has brought the pressure on himself already this season with just one game played, having spent relentlessly in the transfer market to mould his squad to his liking, before falling to a shock opening-day defeat away to Kilmarnock.
Qualification for the Champions League group stage will not only go part of the way to justify their spending but also to fund it, as the money clubs receive for participation is a huge incentive for Rangers.
Rangers cannot afford to take their opponents lightly and must be at the top of their game to win, as their squad continues in their efforts to adapt and acclimatise to new teammates and new surroundings.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has labelled the European tie as ‘gargantuan’ for the club.