Was the tactical change at half-time something you always planned to do at some point in the game?
It was one of the systems we trained the last days, we had three scenarios ready to be implemented if needed. We didn't want to start this way because you want to start on the front foot which we did. We went 1-0 up and then conceded two goals so it was only one goal difference and, for me, it was a decision to change it at half-time with the substation with Balogun. I think we were much more solid defensively and when you play this system you have to be ready for the moments in transition which we really did. I think Morelos and Ryan [Kent] were very important in those roles and also the full-backs. I think we gave enough time in the last couple of days to show the players the stars they have in which positions and I think they did much better today than last week when we had to change that. We had more time on the pitch to train and I think that really helped us get back in the game and gave us the result we wanted. We had more time on the pitch to train and I think that really helped us in the game and gave us the result we wanted.
How important was belief?
It starts with belief. Of course, we have huge respect for the opposition because they’re a big team, they’ve played Champions League finals, they’re challenging for the German title so we knew it was going to be difficult. There is always moments in games when you have to dig deep and make sure you overcome those moments. We had them last week and we had them today but I think we reacted really well. Also the switch of system, but I think our mentality today was perfect and the spirit we showed was fantastic.
My message before the game was that this was a night we can make everyone proud that’s involved with this beautiful club and we did.
How key was the system change to leave their two defenders two-on-two with Morelos and Kent?
It’s very important, especially when you have Morelos and Kent in transition, one-against-one against their central defenders. I think they changed the game. For us, it was important to be able to switch systems which we did and we’re happy for the guys because they worked hard and they made sure the outcome of this game is what we wanted.
Is it important to tie down Alfredo Morelos to ward off any potential suitors?
Of course, you want to keep your best players, it’s not a secret so in that aspect I want him to be involved longer with this club and that’s the same for other players as well. He loves being a Rangers player and I think he loves his time in Glasgow and in Scotland. I don’t know if he’ll sign a new deal but it’s something I would want.
If you knock out the tournament favourites you must feel you have a chance against anybody?
We knew it was going to be difficult to overcome this draw which we did so I’m very happy that we did it. There are only big teams in the last-16 but I think the most important thing is we have to have the belief to be able to compete against anyone but we also need good performances. The first one was away which gave us a two-goal lead and today we had another massive performance. If you don’t have your night in European football, especially in the last-16 it’s going to be very difficult so our aim is to see the draw tomorrow. It’s going to be two big nights but as long as we have two big nights again then we are able to go through but it’s going to be tough.
Should this result give you belief going forward?
Of course, if you can beat Dortmund away and get a result at home, it has to give you confidence but we are facing tough opposition in the next round so for us it is a good moment to challenge ourselves against the best and make sure we get some good performances again. That’s our goal and that’s all you need.
Can you sum up Calvin Bassey’s contribution over the two legs?
Amazing. He’s very dynamic, very versatile because he can play as a centre-back. It’s not his natural position but I think his development in that position is very good. He can play left-back, he’s strong, he’s fast and the most important thing is he wants to learn. He wants to get better in every training session, he comes with a lot of questions so I think we haven’t seen the best of him, he can still improve and become better. He’s giving me a lot of options to play him and his contribution is amazing. Again today he started as a centre-back and he switched to the wing-back position. My left wing-back got the cross in and my right wing-back scored the goal so it’s amazing how they did it today.
How good were Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent?
We know the contribution Ryan Jack gave us in the last few weeks. Hopefully, he’s put the past behind him with his injuries but he keeps us something extra in midfield, he’s also very versatile, he can be defensive but also offensive. His passing range is good and today again he showed how important he is for the club and Ryan's [Kent] development is improving game-by-game. You saw that last week but also today. It’s very hard for a defence to mark him and to defend him so I think both Ryan’s did well but we have to mention the performances from the other players as well because you can only overcome this type of opposition when you are really good as a team and today we were.
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