Rangers can beat Leipzig and WIN Europa League says German coach

That’s according to former Motherwell and Hibernian forward Dirk Lehmann.

The German, who’s coaching at Alemannia Aachen in his homeland, keeps a close eye on the Light Blues and has tipped them to shock the Bundesliga outfit.

He said: “Leipzig are a very good attacking side.

“Since Domenico Tedesco took over they are more stable and more focused on attacking. It’s a very tough opponent for Rangers but, nevertheless, I think it’s an open game.

“If Rangers play the way they did against Dortmund, I think there’s a chance to win especially in Leipzig.

“They struggle a little bit at home because they always try to win the game at home and they are always open to counterattacks.

“You cannot underestimate Glasgow Rangers. They really deserved to go through in the last round against Braga with the way they played and if they get into the final, I think anything is possible as it’s a one-off game.

“If they can beat Leipzig I think they can win it.

READ MORE: RB Leipzig forensically analysed: What can Rangers expect to face in Europa League showdown?

Lehmann says the Ibrox side’s stunning 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund back in February sent shockwaves through Germany.

And the nature of the result wasn't the only thing that left an impression.

He said: “It wasn’t even just the 4-2 result, it was the way they played.

“Dortmund have normally got more possession than their opponents, they are an attacking side at home due to the supporters and due to the way they play. Even though Erling Haaland wasn’t playing they still have players who can do damage and I think the way Rangers went to Dortmund and played them off the park, they definitely deserved to win.”

Many have suggested the key to defeating the Germans is stopping frontman Christopher Nkunku and Lehman is no different.

The dangerous attacking midfielder has goals and assists in abundance and he's one Rangers will give space at their peril.

He said: “He has scored 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season and has 13 assists, it’s not too easy to do that.

“He’s a fantastic player. Sometimes they play him in midfield and sometimes he plays upfront, they change their formation a lot but they always have three-at-the-back whether they play away from home or at home.

“They’ll try to be offensive but they’ll either play a 3-1-4-2 or a 3-4-1-2. They’re always changing formation.”

Dirk Lehmann challenges for a ball with Rangers defender Craig Moore during his Motherwell days

He may have come up against Rangers as an opposition player but nowadays Lehmann is very much indoctrinated in the club thanks to his family.

He explained: “My wife is Irish and her family are mad Rangers supporters so I know a lot about Rangers.

“My brother-in-law is a crazy Rangers supporter as are the whole family, the main team for them is Rangers and always when I go back home to Belfast I watch the Rangers games.

“I wind them up and tell them Motherwell and Hibs are equally good or I’ll say ‘Look at the goal I scored against Rangers!’ Or when we beat them with Motherwell so I wind them up all the time.”