GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST insists there's 'everything to play for' next week as Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw by PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off.
Here's everything the manager had to say after the match.
How happy are you with the performance and result?
I’m happy with the performance. We gave everything. We were nervous at the beginning. PSV started better. We took over the game after going 1-0 down, applying a lot of pressure and good attacks. The goal we scored was an excellent attack from us. Then we went ahead, 2-1, when the goalkeeper didn’t react well from Tom’s shot. After that we tried to keep momentum and go for the third goal, but we didn’t. It’s disappointing to concede from a set piece. We gave everything. In moments we played really well. The difference over 90 minutes wasn’t that big. We could have had a better result, but we could have also had a worse result. Everything to play for next week.
It's half-time in the tie. Do you feel confident you can get the job done next week?
I’m a very positive person. We’ve shown it in the past that we can go through away from home. It will be a difficult game. I’m confident we can go through, the tie is still even. We have to go out and play for everything, to play in the group stage of the Champions League.
Is it a mark of how far the club has come in Europe that the fans felt a little bit flat after the game?
You could feel it was a big game. There is a lot at stake. You saw that in moments, and with the team in the beginning of the game. Some decision making wasn’t the same as it used to be - we weren’t able to find players between the lines. That’s the moments we become dangerous. They’re a quality side, PSV. All the teams are good in this round of qualifying. The differences aren’t that much. It’s just about getting the details right and that’s the difference today and will be next week.
You said you were disappointed with the way you conceded. Is it enough to get you to change how you set up at set-pieces?
The first goal we had first contact. The ball stayed in the area which was unlucky. The second one, yeah, we need to defend stronger and make sure that we have the first contact. We need to improve because next week they will be dangerous again at set-pieces. We have to improve every game we play.
You mentioned the nerves at the start of the game, do you put that down to the prize at stake? Will the nerves be out of the system next week?
You only saw the nerves in the beginning of the game. It’s normal, it’s the Champions League, first time you hear the tune. You should feel the pressure as a player, so you have something to work hard for. In the first 10-20 minutes we were nervous, but that’s done. We can go again next week and try to get to the next round which is the group stage.
What sort of qualities will you need to see from your side to get a result in Eindhoven?
We need to start well and be confident on the ball. We need to create as many chances as possible. We need to be strong at set-pieces in attack. We can have a performance next week that we can get through. I have confidence in my team. With the desire and passion we have, we will be there next week.
You finished the first half strongly then didn’t come out quickly in the second half. Do you have any concerns about that?
Obviously we want to start well, but we’re playing against a good team. We can’t go out and dictate the game all the time. We’re playing an opponent who are strong. They’ve played Champions League in the last few years. You could see their quality. We can’t have 90 minute dominance on the pitch, it doesn’t work like that. You have to pick your moments when they are there to be attacked. You also have to be compact in moments against you. That’s Champions League football. That’s what we have to do again next week.
How pleased were you Antonio Colak’s goal and overall contribution?
Colak is important. It was an excellent goal - great finish and touch. The work he does when we don’t have the ball, his energy means we can press at the right times. I’m happy with his performances and his goals.
Were PSV better than you thought?
PSV were exactly what I thought. They’re a strong team, well organised. They have a lot quality players. They have a lot of great passing and movement. They have a strong striker in Luuk de Jong. As you expect from a top team in Holland. They didn’t surprise me.
What does it mean for next week when they’re playing at home?
Of course playing at home is an advantage. We’ll be there next week. We want to be in the group stages. It’s at a difficult ground against a quality opponent. If we have the desire to reach something, we can get the performance that we want.
What did you make of James Sands’ performance, and do you see him being your first-choice in that left-sided central defensive role going forward?
James is doing really well. He’s a very clever player, football intelligence is there. He’s very smart when defending. He knows when to duel and when not to. It’s not easy to play against a striker like De Jong’s height and physicality. I’m really happy with him. We have some centre-backs who are still injured, that’s why it’s good to see when he produces good performances.
You choose not to bring on Alfredo Morelos tonight. Was this a fitness decision or a tactical one?
Antonio played well, so I didn’t want to change it. Antonio was in the game - he was fighting, dangerous, strong. I know we have five substitutes, sometimes you need to change something, for freshness. But for me, Antonio didn’t need that.
What is the mood in the dressing room after tonight’s game?
The mood is that we had a difficult game. We could have had more in the game. When you’re 2-1 up and you concede, of course you’re disappointed. We could also have a worse result than a draw. We know we’re only halfway. We have to go out and give everything to go through.
Another assist for James Tavernier this evening. How good a goal was that first one as a team?
It’s what we’ve shown that before. The quality we have on the pitch, the quality and speed of play. When we can get Tavernier forward and being able to cross, we become very dangerous. Against a team like PSV, you need those attacks and movements to create chances. The first goal was an example of how to attack them.
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