Ally McCoist shares Rangers windfall verdict ahead of Champions League
Ally McCoist has insisted that the financial rewards of Rangers making the Champions League are far more important than earning more coefficient points for Scotland.
The Light Blues play the first leg of their play-off clash with PSV on Tuesday (22 August) evening with the winner of the two-legged tie reaching the group stage of Europe’s premier competition.
But despite the opportunity to reach the biggest club competition in Europe, some fans view the opportunity to earn more coefficient points for Scotland in the Europa League to hold onto their European qualifying positions in the future as a better prospect.
Answering this suggestion from one fan on TalkSport on Tuesday (22 August), via the Daily Record, McCoist replied: “I think you make a very good point, it’s probably difficult to disagree with. But what I am going to say to you is this.
“What you don’t mention is the financial benefit that Rangers will get from winning the tie against PSV. That financial benefit of qualifying for the Champions League. Surely it will help the club moving forward?”
Could be huge
The benefits of Rangers reaching the group stage of the Champions League cannot be underestimated as sitting at the top table in Europe changes the entire plan of how a football club can operate and could well open avenues that would otherwise be closed.
While many Rangers fans will have fond memories of their Europa League run in the 2021/22 campaign where they were beaten on penalties in the final, the financial gain of the Champions League is of far greater importance.
Michael Beale has added to his squad actively this summer, with nine new incomings already, but is still hoping for one final cherry on the cake addition, possibly a Ryan Kent replacement and that sort of deal may only be achievable with the added European money.
Being in the Champions League also makes Ibrox a much more enticing opportunity for new players, with European nights on a Tuesday or Wednesday much more attractive to a player than Europa League Thursdays.
From the point of view of Rangers fans, little should be of more importance this season than winning this tie with PSV and reaching the group stage.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has shared his verdict as the Gers prepare to face Malik Tillman when they showdown with PSV