Source: Team_Talk
Bougherra happy to dodge qualifiers
Rangers' dramatic Scottish Premier League title triumph secured their automatic entry to Europe's premier club competition - just 12 months after crashing out to Lithuanian minnows FBK Kaunas.
This time around it is Celtic's turn to face the qualifiers, keeping their hopes alive by defying the odds with a last-gasp victory over Dinamo Moscow in Russia on Wednesday night.
"Of course it's a relief because there is pressure before the season starts when you have to qualify," said Bougherra.
"So when you go straight into the Champions League it is fantastic. You can just concentrate on pre-season. Last year was difficult because when you lose, mentally, you are down. But the pre-season has been good this year."
While Celtic were battling to keep their European dream alive, Rangers earned an impressive 3-2 win over Manchester City in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox.
Days earlier, the Scottish champions had suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Emirates Cup but Bougherra believes both matches will be beneficial ahead of their Champions League ties.
"It was a good game," he said of the clash with City. "When you play big teams like this, like we have done in the last few days, it can be good because you know it's like a typical game in the Champions League.
"You start to learn and see what can happen. It gives us a good idea for the Champions League games. There was a big difference from Scottish football.
"On Wednesday, it was a game we enjoyed. We played well and we won. I know it was a friendly but it's good to win.
"Before, I was afraid but after Wednesday's game every player feels very good. I think when you play game after game after game, it is best.
"You can run as many kilometres as you want but when you play 90 minutes on the pitch it is like you have trained for two weeks."
Meanwhile, Bougherra has expressed surprise at defensive partner David Weir's omission from the Scotland squad for this month's crucial World Cup qualifier in Norway.
The Rangers skipper - who netted the winner against City - was a notable absentee from the squad named by George Burley on Tuesday but Bougherra believes the 39-year-old still has plenty to offer.
He said: "For me, he has done very well. He keeps playing all the time and he is a good element for the national team or any team in Europe because he has good experience. He is there to help the people.
"Every time something happens I ask him, at half-time or during the game. I play game after game with him and I did well because he was next to me. I hope we have another good season.
"It can be good for him to have more rest and concentrate on Rangers but I hope he comes back into the national team because he can do well because of all his experience.
"I'm Algerian and don't know much about Scotland but I think all the people in the national team love him because he is a good person."
