Rangers coach Barry Ferguson’s head has told his players that “they can’t be well all the time” if they want to beat Fenerbahce and progress to the Europa League.
They have a 3-1 lead from last week’s match in Istanbul, with winners determined to face Rome or Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the competition.
But after the back-back losses in Ibrox in the Scottish Cup and the Prime Minister, Ferguson is calling on his players to strengthen to get the crowd behind them on Thursday night.
“Sometimes we’re very good, I’ve told my players that we can’t be fine all the time,” he said. “If you take this place by swinging, it’s a right place to play football and I’ve told the boys that.
“When you go out with a certain attitude to play the game, there is no better place to play football.
“We will go on and make the challenge tomorrow (Thursday) at night because it will be another game in my opinion.
“We have to stay long and we have to go head to head with Fenerbahce because they will come and they will go for us.”
Cyriel desserts played for Rangers in Istanbul last week
The Prime Minister’s title race is everything, but with rangers sitting 16 points after Celtic leaders. Without hope for local jewelery, the Europa League is Rangers’ last chance to save something from a disappointing campaign.
However, Ferguson is waiting for Jose Mourinho’s team to create a real war as they fell into their first loss in 18 games in the first game.
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Leon Balogun believes that the home crowd in Ibrox can be essential to help Rangers progress to the Europa League, with the protector ready for ‘tricks’ of Jose Mourinho
“Mourinho has won 26 trophies in a number of seats. This is a real challenge for me, but I am not afraid of a challenge,” the former Rangers midfielder added.
“He would have hurt last week. You’ll see another Fenerbahce here. We’ve worked the last three days in different scenarios within the game. I have every trust in my player group.
“We need to have another opinion. It’s been a matter from time to time all season. This is something I have a duty to try to change and I’m increasingly working to do it and so are boys.
“They’re getting everything we’re giving on board.”
