Dick Advocaat downbeat opinion on Rangers v PSV Champions League tie shared
Dick Advocaat is doubtful Rangers can repeat the feat of knocking PSV out of the Champions League play-off round, his friend Wim Kieft has shared.
The Gers eliminated their prestigious Dutch opponents at the same stage last season, but are still bedding in nine new signings to their squad ahead of the rematch.
Kieft, speaking to the Daily Record, shared that he had a conversation with former Rangers boss Advocaat, who is sceptical about their chances following the raft of changes.
“This week, I had lunch with Dick Advocaat and we talked about PSV’s game against Rangers,” Kieft said.
“He said he still follows Rangers and knows them well. And he thinks they have let their best players leave the club. He believes PSV have a very winnable tie now. I think last season’s elimination will be on the minds of the PSV players, but they look very sharp right now.
“Personally, I thought they should have got through last season, but they are a better team this season and have an even bigger chance. But it involves a lot of money, so there is really enormous pressure and tension and that could yet play a part.”
A tall order
There is no dressing up the fact that Rangers face a big ask repeating the trick of 12 months ago against the Dutch giants, who finished second in the Eredivisie last season.
Rangers could hardly look more different than the side that knocked out PSV last year, when Giovani van Bronckhorst was still in charge, with particular focus having been placed on freshening up their forward line.
Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, Danilo, and Abdallah Sima have all arrived, and there is definitely still a rawness about this new-look side.
An opening-day defeat at Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership was followed by wins over Servette and Livingston, then a draw in the return tie against the former in the second leg of their Champions League third round of qualifying tie.
PSV undoubtedly represent an altogether different challenge, but Rangers will be desperate to prove to Advocaat and any other doubters they have that they can get the job done.
In other Rangers news, ‘game changer’ Alex Lowry has been tipped to shine at Rangers after his Hearts loan.