Slavia Prague boss Jindrich Trpisovsky is expecting a different sort of test in tonight’s Europa League clash with Rangers, telling iSPORT that Steven Gerrard’s side are more defensively disciplined than Leicester City.
Then again, you only have to look at the numbers to realise that, while Rangers are a force to be reckoned with in attack, it is at the other end where their biggest strengths lie.
In 32 league matches, the newly-crowned Premiership champions have conceded just nine goals this term – 14 less than bitter rivals Celtic.
Connor Goldson, Allan McGregor, Filip Helander and co have been in supreme form throughout the campaign, supported by a disciplined, dynamic midfield trio, usually comprising of the classy but commanding Glen Kamara, the aggressive Joe Aribo and the evergreen Steven Davis.
Czech league leaders Slavia will approach the game with plenty of confidence after triumphing 2-0 away from home at Leicester two weeks ago.
But, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line, Trpisovsky knows that his side face a major test against one of the most well-drilled and well-coached teams left in the Europa League.
“The set-up and the way of playing are completely different. I don’t think the matches will be similar,” Trpisovsky explained.
“Leicester and Rangers are very dangerous in quick counterattacks. However, their defensive behaviours are different. At Rangers, the three central midfielders are more defensive, rarely does anyone get a quick counterattack against Rangers.
“Their ball recovers are exemplary – it’s a very hardworking team. (They are) confident and have a great mentality. They are very athletic, well-drilled.
“When you lose the ball, it is difficult to react to them.”
This does not mean, of course, that Steven Gerrard is going to park a double-decker bus in front of the Rangers goal-mouth. Far from it.
The Glasgow giants have scored 22 goals in eight Europa League matches in 2020/21, including nine over two legs against Royal Antwerp last time out and five against Portuguese giants Benfica in the autumn.
“They have scored a lot of goals this season, even on the European stage. They are offensive, but at the same time very hardworking on the defensive,” Trpisovsky added.
“When you attack, you always put seven players behind the ball, leaving two wingers in front who are ready to counterattack.
“It is a balanced team that has a very good organization of the game.”
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