Optimistic By defeating Benfica to go to the Europa League quarterfinals, Philippe Clement has issued a challenge to Rangers that will cause the rest of Europe to pay notice.
The two teams are tied at two goals each following the first leg in Lisbon. According to the Ibrox manager, who is prepared to welcome back key midfielder Todd Cantwell from injury, defeating the Portuguese title contenders on Thursday would be a statement victory for his team.
At his pre-game press conference, Clement stated, “We are not naive; we know that Benfica has a really talented squad with a lot of experience also.”
They have players who have competed at a very high level in the past, World Cup winners, and a lot of really huge talents who could fetch a lot of money after this season.
We know that defeating Benfica would come as a huge surprise to the whole European community, but we are incredibly hungry to succeed.
It’s times like Thursday when they can show off their skills, Clement reminded his Rangers teammates, if they want to play at the highest level.
If they make it through, the manager remarked, “It would be really exciting because they will show something towards all of Europe.” It could be really noteworthy for their career.
You can attract greater attention by engaging in unique activities such as these. I am aware of the club’s philosophy, which is to find players who can step up and benefit the team more than Rangers and accept that fact before finding a suitable replacement.
“So they can take steps in that direction on evenings like this one. The most crucial thing, though, is to realize that expressing oneself is not unique. The only way they can exhibit themselves is as a cohesive one.
Although Clement acknowledges that Benfica are the slight favorites, he will not allow his squad to enter the game feeling inferior in front of another sold-out Ibrox crowd after leading former team Club Brugge to a 2-2 draw in the Bernabeu in October 2019.
“Always realistic, but realistic to the point of setting high standards, and I know and have seen that this team is capable of doing so.” I informed them prior to the Benfica match that we earned our 2-2 draw with Real Madrid with Brugge.
“We could have won that game, but this Rangers club is superior to that Brugge team, so when the chips are down, I think we can win against any team we face. That is something I firmly believe.
“I am aware that Benfica took the weekend off from four or five players in preparation for this match. But my players are prepared; I’ve seen enough today to know that the freshness has returned and that there is a great deal of hunger.
We are aware that we must do better than we now are in order to qualify, but we will make every effort to do so, and the encouragement of the supporters can help even more.
This game sold out in record time. The stadium could have been sold out twice or three times, despite the early kickoff and the fact that many people must take the day off work to be there.
Ross McCausland is questionable, Dujon Sterling will miss the game due to a minor injury, and Cantwell is expected to make a comeback after missing the previous five games due to a hamstring problem.
Clement declared, “He is ready to play a certain number of minutes.” “Since he is obviously not ready for ninety minutes, the next step is to determine whether or not to start him.
He performed well during the training, so I’m glad to have him back. He feels terrific.
I’m glad to see him back because he seems well and performed well during the training.
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