Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has insisted his focus is on what his side can do ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League qualifier against Malmo but admits the Light Blues face a tough challenge against the Swedes.
The Gers will be without a number of key players for the first leg clash with Kemar Roofe, Glen Kamara and Leon Balogun suspended and Ryan Jack and Ianis Hagi likely to miss out through injury.
Gerrard has put in the hours analysing the Gers’ next opponents, highlighting what he likes about the Swedes, and knows his side can exploit weaknesses to reach the playoffs.
“My focus is very much on my team and the strengths of my team and what I need to do to get the right result,” Gerrard said [Rangers TV].
I’ve watched a lot of Malmo in the last week/ten days and I’ve been impressed wi the team ethic, the work rate and their fitness levels.
They are obviously well into the season now and have started the season extremely well so they’ll be a confident team.
“They can play with a four but also change to a back five so we have to be ready for any challenge that will come on the night. I like the way they have a lot of technical players who play around Colak and try and be inventive around the box.
We’re going to have to be really good in possession, we’re going to have to be really good at playing through the press. At the right times, we need to make sure we can go and hurt Malmo’s back four.”
With a clash against Olympiacos or Ludogorets waiting in the playoff round, Rangers have a fantastic chance to reach the group stages.
The Light Blues have started the season well and getting a few more key players such as Borna Barisic and Allan McGregor can only help the Scottish champions.
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