Giovanni van Bronckhorst cast a bullish mood, talking up the chances of his men putting on a show against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The Dutchman is all too aware of the importance of Matchday Four in this Champions League campaign with time running out for Rangers to put points on the board to stake a claim for European football in the new year. For that to happen, his team needs to find a way to punch above their weight as well as for Ajax to continue to drop points.
The best performance so far came in the home encounter with Napoli but it still ended in a 0-3 defeat. Yes, James Sands red card was a turning point in that match but you get nothing for almost getting the job done at this level. Rangers need to rise again, but must find a way to inflict damage on Jurgen Klopp’s men.
When asked if his team can find the big performance required, Gio was unequivocal:
“Of course, it is possible tomorrow. I think we have the team to do so against a quality side. But we have to be really, really focused in the transition moments. We have to defend. It takes a lot of energy for my players to play in that way. And there are times when you have to defend.”
“You see Liverpool also against Arsenal, at times they both had a low block to defend. Once you’re in moments when you can be dangerous, you have to be clinical and make sure you create chances but also score.”
The manager referenced the differences between home and away games in the Champions League as well as the need to take chances in the game when they come along.
Last week at Anfield has to serve as a warning of the danger Liverpool possess as well as a warning on the levels required from the team in their overall performance and quality at both ends.