Rangers have been told they are more than capable after a big point on the road at Olympiacos.
Philippe Clement‘s men made it seven points from a possible 12 in the Europa League section after a 1-1 draw in Greece. Cyriel Dessers was the Light Blues hero as a bit of individual magic brought his side level and earned a share of the points. Four leading pundits on duty for the Euro showdown have had their say on the 90 minute showdown with the Greek giants coming under-fire from one who rated their efforts to defend against Dessers before expertly finishing as “absolutely appalling”.
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes – on duty for TNT Sports – masterminded a win over Clement and his troops just a couple of weeks ago at Rugby Park but he reckons it was a ‘really strong performance’ from the Ibrox men with a point the least they deserved for their efforts all over the park.
Neil McCann (BBC Sportsound)
“In terms of clean cut chances Rangers absolutely had more of those. Looking at the goal, you look at the back four in terms of it is slightly disjointed because Jefte gets taken out and then he tries to get back in. They actually didn’t look under any threat whatsoever.
“I was really disappointed in this team that won the Conference League last year. I know they lost a couple of big players. Reactive El Kaabi for the goal. He just checked looking for a knock down and gets it. As equally as they were poor going forward, defensively really wide open and really exposed. The decision making for Dessers’ chance he eventually buries is absolutely appalling.
“In saying that, really good composure from Dessers. His finish is brilliant and it is a really important point. It is one of those games if you were in the old format you’d take this game as a really brilliant point thinking ‘we will beat this team at home’ In this new format going away from home puts them on seven points. It is a pretty good return.”
Derek McInnes (TNT Sports)
“It was a really strong performance. I know in commentary the lads are saying it was a really poor Olympiacos but I thought it was a really strong performance from Rangers. I thought they had the best chances and get the point they no more than deserved.
“A lovely finish from Dessers and they defended very confidently for the vast majority of it. Kept their better players quiet and the midfield energy and intelligence to protect that back lot as well as offer support was terrific. A really strong away performance.”
Steven Thompson (BBC Sportsound)
“It is a brilliant result. They showed a great reaction. To come away from a really tough opponent, away from home, in a hostile place with a point, it is massive point. It was a better performance from Rangers and that will please the manager the most.”
Alan Hutton (TNT Sports)
“I thought it was a good reaction after going 1-0 down. They showed they are more than capable. I think after two away games to be sitting on seven points and the position they are in is only going to stand them in good stead going forward. “