Can you sum up how big that achievement feels?

It feels very big and very good at the moment. It was a game we wanted and the result we wanted. I think we started the game really well, a lot of pressure up front and we created a lot of chances. I’m just happy we are through, it’s a big achievement to be in the last four in Europe and I’m really proud of the performance of my team.

What did you say to your players before extra time?

You’re playing against one man less and in the end, it was two men less so you just have to control the game, keep the ball and make the pitch big with quick passing. At moments we looked a bit nervous and tense. Only in the last five or six minutes in the second half of extra time, we did what we had to do. We kept the ball with the 3-1 already on the scoreboard and we could easily play the game out and get the win to go to the next round.

Will Scott Arfield have extra shooting practice tomorrow?

He had some chances. I said to him after the game 'how could you miss those chances?' but he didn't do it on purpose. If it was the goal that had to bring us through, it’s a different story but we’ll get him in front of the goal with Roy [Makaay] tomorrow and shoot a hundred balls like that.

Can the fans expect to see more of the same level of attacking in the semi-final?

Of course, it’s a semi-final, we want to be in the final. We’ll enjoy this night, it took a lot of energy out of the team with extra time but we’re going to prepare well for Sunday. It’s another chance to play a final and we’re going to give everything. It’s a big game again. All the games that are coming are big but, of course, the semi against Celtic, you want to win and to play the final.

How proud were you that the players were able to shift the momentum in extra time?

I’m very pleased. Of course, we work hard on the way you want to play and sometimes you have setbacks. With the set-piece against us, the momentum was gone a little bit and after that we took control. It started the belief that we could score a goal and it was an excellent goal we scored for 3-1. Everything starts with belief, if you don’t believe in something, no matter what you do you’re never going to achieve it. Today we showed belief from minute one and, in the end, we have what we wanted and that’s to play the semi-final against Leipzig.

Does that belief extend to you can win this competition now?

We’re getting closer but I played a World Cup final and played extra time in that final but in the end, we lost it and had nothing. So you have to push hard until you actually have the prize and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to enjoy this night and we’re going to work hard in the next coming games to give this club success and we’ll do everything possible to do so.

How much has that game taken out of your players and what is Borna Barisic’s situation?

We didn’t have the game in mind on Sunday when we played this match. I think you saw that with my players, they gave everything. A lot of energy and a lot of power going forward, we had to make a lot of duels and Borna played an excellent game. He had a difficult spell but when he played on Sunday and also when he came on in Braga he played really well. Especially in the first half he was constantly a threat with his crosses. He had some cramps so we had to take him off but it counts for everyone. We have to make sure in these two days we refresh and recover from this game and be ready for Sunday.

Do you have time to do that?

You want to be involved but to be playing two games in a week at this stage of the season is very demanding. Leipzig, as well, is coming in a couple of weeks. It’s tough but you want to be involved in all the competitions and we’ll fight for every competition we’re in.

READ MORE: Every word James Tavernier said as jubilant captain explains reason for Rangers' Europa League success

You must have been pleased with how you managed to attack Braga with good effect?

Yeah, of course, I said before you know after you play a team I have a better feeling about the team and about the players we face. The second game we can always prepare better and today was the same. We wanted to attack the sides more frequently and make them defend more on the sides and also the possibilities to run deep from midfield. You see they take a lot of risks when they put an extra man in midfield when they pressure but that leaves so much space at their back and I think we did excellent to do so. It was one of the aspects we worked hard on in the last couple of days. It’s always good to see it work well in the game as well.

How important is James Tavernier to the side?

He's got that drive forward and especially when you need goals he looks very energetic it sends a message to the crowd and his teammates. If you see how many goals he's scored in Europe you'd say he was a quick attacker but I'm very happy with his performance because goals get you through to the next round.

How did you prevent the players from becoming complacent after they went down to ten, then nine men?

I think if you play against ten or nine men you just have to keep the ball and move them from side to side. Eventually, there will be a lot of gaps in midfield to break lines. We should have done better. I think we opted too quickly for unnecessary long balls. I think only in the last phase of the second half of extra time did we let them run because with nine men it was more energy and they couldn't run and the game was won.

What do you know of RB Leipzig?

I don't know much. I've seen some of the games they have played. They are a good side. Very attacking. Very dynamic, very powerful. All the Red Bull teams play the same way with the same energy. We are going to prepare well. They defeated Atalanta. We have to do the same, prepare well and go to the final because that's one step we want to make as well.

Would you say Kemar Roofe has proved the naysayers wrong?

He doesn't have to prove anything. We supported him in his play and given him the confidence every player needs. In the last months he's been very important and scored the winner against Aberdeen, had two assists against Dundee and now the winner here. We support him in becoming the best player he can be. I'm very happy with his performances and of course, a striker needs goals to be confident. He did it on Sunday and he did it today too and of course, with the penalty, he made the great run where they had the red card.