Source: Team_Talk
Milanic looks to apply Scottish lessons
Maribor coach Darko Milanic insists previous experience of dumping Scottish teams out of Europe has given them confidence of beating Rangers.[LNB] The Slovenians sent Hibernian crashing out of the tournament last year with a comprehensive 6-2 aggregate victory over the Edinburgh side.[LNB]Milanic admits his side face a far tougher prospect when they host Rangers in the first leg of the play-offs tomorrow night but says Maribor are optimistic about their chances.[LNB]He said: "Experience from last year's duels with Hibernian will come in handy.[LNB]"Hibernian didn't come to Maribor with a defensive orientation and we expect that Rangers will also try to do the same.[LNB]"It will be a tougher match but we believe in our chances."[LNB]Maribor's past record against Rangers is not quite as impressive as their win over Hibs, with the Light Blues emerging as comfortable 6-1 victors over two legs in a Champions League qualifier between the two clubs a decade ago.[LNB]Milanic added: "Of course Rangers are considered as favourites.[LNB]"We will try to find their weaknesses and win. Hopefully we'll take our chances so we can come out as winners.[LNB]"That is, of course, presuming our team is in good shape in both games."[LNB]The Slovenians watched Rangers come through a tricky Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the weekend, securing a 2-0 win in the Highlands thanks to goals from Nikica Jelavic and Maurice Edu.[LNB]Milanic is confident Maribor know all they need to know about the threat posed by Ally McCoist's men as both sides bid to overcome the disappointment of exiting the Champions League by booking a place in the Europa League group stages.[LNB]He said: "We haven't spoken about the Rangers game very much until after Sunday because of the Slovenian Championship.[LNB]"Now we've introduced our boys to the characteristics of their game.[LNB]"We saw their last championship game live and we also have many videos from different games.[LNB]"We are aware that it will be a big test for us since Scottish football is not the same as ours.[LNB]"The video is a bit misleading. We are glad that we went to see the game against Inverness because watching the game in the stadium is completely different."[LNB]Captain Marcos Tavares is a doubt with a back injury.[LNB]
