Source: Team_Talk
Bougherra blames fatigue for draw
Madjid Bougherra insists Rangers are fully focused on performing against Valencia following their SPL slip-up against Inverness on Saturday.[LNB] Walter Smith's side dropped points for the first time in league action this season after being held to a 1-1 draw by the promoted side at Ibrox.[LNB]Gers had achieved 27 points from a possible 27 in their opening nine games, but the Algeria international believes fatigue finally caught up with them following a hectic schedule.[LNB]Things do not get any easier for Rangers on Tuesday as they tackle Liga giants Valencia in the Champions League still hoping to win a place in the last 16 of the competition.[LNB]Although there were some weary legs and minds in their weekend fixture with Caley Thistle, Bougherra insists everyone will be up for the fight at the Mestalla.[LNB]"We went out wanting to win but some of the players were tired," said Bougherra. "They're playing every game and we didn't have the freshness for the last pass, the last touch.[LNB]"I suppose it's better this result came early in the season as we'll be aware of it in the next match.[LNB]"We have a small squad and we are feeling the demands of so many games. But it's not the end of the world as we're still top of the table.[LNB]"We have to pick ourselves up for Tuesday. You don't need motivation for the Champions League. When you come out on the pitch and hear that music it's a different world. It's such a vital game because if we win or draw we're still on our way to qualify for the last 16.[LNB]"You don't feel tiredness in games like this. It's more mental. That's why we must forget Inverness and concentrate on Valencia."
