Kenny Macintyre slams ‘naive’ Rangers star after incident vs Viktoria Plzen
Rangers booked their place in the play-off round of Champions League qualifying despite a 2-1 defeat against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night.
The Gers held a 3-0 lead from the first leg, and survived a scare to ultimately ensure their safe passage through to the final stage of qualifying before the all-important league phase.
Lyall Cameron scored for Rangers between goals from Rafiu Durosinmi and Svetozar Markovic for the hosts, and that strike ultimately ensured the visitors didn’t face a particularly nervy finish.
Russell Martin’s side have extended their European adventure for another week at least, but one particular star was unable to escape criticism.
Macintyre slams ‘naive’ Jefte for his role in Plzen goal
Rangers’ Champions League campaign could be vital if they can reach the competition proper, given the financial benefits that it provides.
The Govan outfit have saved their better performances for their big European nights so far, and they did what was needed of them in Czechia in the end.
Plzen looked surprisingly toothless during the majority of the first half, but they were handed a route back into the tie when Durosinmi turned home in the 41st minute.
- 12 August – Rangers get past Viktoria Plzen to reach Champions League play-off round
- 19 August – Rangers to play first leg of their play-off tie
- 26/27 August – Rangers to play second leg of their play-off tie
It was a disappointing concession from a Rangers perspective, as Jefte got caught under a lofted cross-field ball and then slipped while giving chase to Amar Memic, who cut the ball back for Durosinmi to finish.
It was a disappointing moment from the Brazilian, and although it ultimately didn’t cost his side, he still came in for criticism from the BBC Sportsound team (12 August, 6:50pm).
“Jefte slipped, but that was because of the angle of his run,” said former Rangers midfielder Ian McCall.
“The key to it was how quickly Plzen switched the ball from one side to the other, and Jefte not reacting quickly enough. He wasn’t smelling danger to get a better angle to his run and hold the wide man up to allow cover in the central area.”
McCall’s view was then backed up by Sportsound host Kenny Macintyre, who said: “I’ve always thought Jefte is a bit naïve and a bit raw.”
Martin may look to sell Jefte
Jefte has been linked with a Rangers exit in recent days, and this could provide all the evidence that Martin needs to sanction his departure.
The 21-year-old struggled for consistency last term, and his error-prone nature appears to have carried over into the new campaign.
Although it didn’t ultimately cost the Ibrox outfit on this occasion, it was another warning sign to the new boss about the youthfulness and inexperience that the defender displays in his performances.
At his best, Jefte is a very capable full-back, but Martin will undoubtedly be wondering how many mistakes he can allow him to make.
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