Lincoln Red Imps are no strangers to a European shock after handing Brendan Rodgers an embarrassing defeat on his first competitive outing as Celtic boss, however, William Amaral de Andrade who is currently in charge of the Gibraltans, is under no illusions as to what his side is up against.
Speaking ahead of tonights Europa League qualifying match against Rangers, the Brazilian was effusive in his praise of not only Rangers, but Steven Gerrard in particular in a press conference that is sure to see the green and white hordes reaching for their keyboards, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
When asked about the challenge ahead and the form the the Light Blues are in, he said:
“For me and the players, it’s a game everyone is looking forward to. Getting a draw like this is what we wanted. For Gibraltar, it’s a massive game.
“We just have to enjoy the moment and make sure the players do what we have been asking them to do.
“We know that we’re playing against the best team in Scotland, against the best manager in Scotland. They are ranked first in the league with a record of no goals conceded. We know who we’re facing.
“Apart from those difficulties, we have to go on to the pitch with a lot of courage and be motivated. This is why football is special — moments like this when a big team plays a small team.
“The small team can do it with courage and passion. We have seen it happen before.”
For all that silverware is the most important thing, winding them up across the city is never going to be sniffed at, especially when it is someone not connected to the club, but he does have a point.
Breaking a record that has stood for over a century is no mean feat and shows what Gerrard and his coaching staff have been able to achieve when they aren’t constantly having to prepare for and recover from matches.
Who is the better manager?
Steven Gerrard
Neil Lennon
Rangers will lose a goal eventually this season but it shouldn’t be against de Andrade’s side and comfortable passage to the next round would be greatly appreciated with a tricky away trip to Easter Road on Sunday – one game at a time though, as we in particular “have seen it happen before”.