Van Bronckhorst defends Ramsey’s penalty miss in final
RANGERS manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst said Aaron Ramsey had shown courage in putting his hand up to take a penalty in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt yesterday after the midfielder was the only player to miss from the spot.
Ramsey, on loan from Juventus, was brought on in the 117th minute with the game level at 1-1 but had his spotkick saved by Kevin Trapp as Eintracht won 5-4 on penalties to end their 42-year wait for a European title.
“He is very down,”Van Bronckhorst told reporters. “It’s never nice to lose. Everyone is hurt and disappointed. You can sense that in the locker room. That’s normal so shortly after the game.
“Aaron was disappointed but he took responsibility to take the penalty and you can make it or miss it.
“Unfortunately he didn’t make it but you want to have players who are comfortable taking penalties.”
Rangers were bidding for their first European trophy in 50 year and could have clinched the game in the 118th minute when substitute Kemar Roofe flashed a ball across the box to Ryan Kent but the winger’s low shot was superbly kept out by Trapp.
“Of course we had a big chance in the end,” said former Dutch international Van Bronckhorst.
“I think it was a great save. In those minutes towards the end of the game it is decisive.
“Ryan did everything he could to score the goal. When you get these big chances you have to take them, especially in the final minutes, but Ryan did everything he could.”
The former Netherlands captain was pleased with his players’ efforts during 120 minutes in Spain and also in reaching their first final in 14 years.
“I can’t complain with what my players gave last night and before last night but in the end it was a really tight game, it went all the way to penalties and we lost. They gave 100% and that is all you can ask as a coach.”
Rangers, who finished second behind Celtic in the league, take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.
And Van Bronckhorst believes his players will be ready for the final following yesterday’s disappointment.
“Of course it’s not going to be easy to get them ready because it’s emotional.
“We are hurt and disappointed. We had the biggest game of the year last night but we have to play on Saturday.
“We are flying back today with only one day to prepare, it will not be easy but we will do it, we will be ready for Saturday and try to end the season with a trophy.”
Van Bronckhorst’s counterpart Oliver Glasner was left drenched in beer after Frankfurt players gatecrashed the manager’s press conference to celebrate.
Glasner and goalkeeper Trapp were fulfilling media duties following the win when the euphoric Frankfurt squad, equipped with cans of beer, barged into the room and promptly set about soaking the pair.
The Eagles’ boss could be seen smiling and wiping the alcoholic from his eyes before joining in with the boisterous chanting.
Speaking after the success, Glasner, who became the first Austrian manager to win a major European honour in 39 years, said: “Unbelievable. It was our
13th game in Europe and we didn’t lose any of them.
“I told the players we had a fantastic journey and that journey should not end in Seville but when we come home with the trophy.”
Frankfurt shot stopper Trapp added: “This is not my night. It’s everyone’s night. To be able to give back to our fans this way is so special.” – The Independent/Express Newspapers