Source: FOOTYMAD
Taking A Different Approach
Walter Smith has to adapt his appropach to a second leg in the Europa League Walter Smith believes team selection rather than formation will be the key to playing a European second leg at Ibrox. When Rangers welcome PSV Eindhoven to Ibrox tonight it will be the first time that they have played the return leg at home since a 4-0 win over Hapoel Tel Aviv four years ago. When the boot was on the other footm Rangers have generally progressed, winning five out of six knockout ties in three seasons. After a goalless first leg in Holland last week, Rangers now face the danger that their previous opponents have struggled with - the fear of an away goal. Rangers progressed to the 2008 UEFA Cup final after three successes following goalless Ibrox games, and knocked out Sporting Lisbon on the away goals rule in this season's last 32. PSV have shown they can score on the road, winning against Metalist Kharkiv, Sampdoria and Debrecen in the group stages, and scoring twice in Lille in the previous round. Smith knows his team need to attack more in tonight's game than they have in previous Ibrox ties, but he looks set to continue with the 5-4-1 formation he has preferred in Europe this season to minimise the risk of losing an away goal. Rangers struggled to get forward in Holland but Smith has Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith available after illness and injury, although the latter is not certain to start, and he feels his midfield players` ability to break forward will be crucial. Smith said: "We'll have to change a little bit from the way we have played, especially in the away games. Although we have kept a very similar formation, we have approached the home games in a slightly different fashion, both in the Champions League and against Sporting Lisbon. We had more attacking personnel within the same set-up so we just have to find the right balance, that's the important part for us.'' Having benefited from the away goals rule on several occasions in recent years, Smith feels his players will know the potential pitfalls. He said: "We have taken advantage of it in European games ourselves. It's something you have to handle. We have used it to our advantage, the experience we have of that can be gained the other way. But we know at some stage in the game we have to attack and try to win the game.''PSV Eindhoven manager Fred Rutten dismissed criticism of the defensive approachtaken by Rangers in Europe Rangers' caution was once described as "anti-football'' by Lionel Messi after a goalless draw against Barcelona, but Rutten believes every approach should be respected. And the PSV manager empathised with Smith over the criticism of his tactics as he reflected on working as a coach in a country that demands attractive football. The Dutchman said: "I will never decide whether something is good or bad if a team gets results. In Holland we always think we have to get results and play beautiful football like Barcelona. There is only one club in the world that can do that. That's why I always have respect for my opponent.'' PSV defender Wilfred Bouma also felt criticism of Rangers' approach was harsh. The former Aston Villa player said: "If you play for the title in Scotland and you are still in Europe, this is the way they get their results. As long as they get results, it's hard for me to say anything about that. They got a result last week and they will try to finish the job.'' Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net) Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net
