Malmo focused on Gers match

02 August 2011 19:02
Daniel Andersson says the recent crowd trouble at Malmo has not affected their focus ahead of the Champions League qualifier against Rangers.[LNB] Malmo's league match against Djurgardens was abandoned after just 11 minutes on Saturday after firecrackers were thrown onto the pitch - the second time a game at the Swedbank stadium has been halted this season.[LNB]The lack of match action and subsequent headlines in Sweden means Malmo have not had the best build-up to the second leg as they prepare to host Rangers and build on their 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Ibrox.[LNB]But, while expressing disappointment at those scenes, Andersson is confident the players are ready for the challenge as both clubs bid to take a step closer to the money-spinning group stages.[LNB]He said: "It hurts Swedish football a lot but it's only a few people who are doing this.[LNB]"There are big discussions in Swedish football about this instead of talking about just the game. Hopefully we will sort the problem out and talk about the football instead of the problems.[LNB]"I really hope there is no repeat because it has happened two times this year and that is two times too many.[LNB]"We were very upset on Saturday but we have gathered the troops. It's easy to keep the focus on a game like this. It's no problem for us."[LNB]Coincidentally, Rangers' own fans are banned from travelling to the game as a result of UEFA sanctions imposed following the behaviour of supporters in matches against PSV Eindhoven last season.[LNB]Andersson added: "Of course, Rangers would like to have their fans here because they have fantastic fans. But it's difficult to say what impact this will have on the game."[LNB]Like his captain, Malmo coach Rikard Norling believes their clash with Rangers is simply too important to be overshadowed by problems with a minority of their own fans.[LNB]He said: "You can look at it in different ways. It was a very disappointing moment for the players and for 99% of the fans here and for the staff. That's one side of it.[LNB]"The other side is that this game against Rangers is so interesting and important and has such a spark in itself, that it is a little bit heavier than the negative side.[LNB]"I don't think it will affect us as much as people might think, because of the size of this game. If it had been a normal Allsvenskan game it would maybe have been more difficult."[LNB]Andersson admits he will be bracing himself for a busy night against striker Nikica Jelavic, who opened his account for the season with a goal in Rangers' win over St Johnstone at the weekend.[LNB]He said: "They have a very strong team all over but, as a central defender, I have to look at the strikers. Jelavic is a very good player and he gave us a lot of problems in Glasgow so we will have to be on our toes."

Source: Team_Talk