Confident Coulibaly reckons Gers will finish job in Austria
LASSANA COULIBALY is confident Rangers can finish the job and clinch a Europa League knockout berth in Austria next month.
Steven Gerrard’s side go into the final Group G clash knowing only a win will do following their goalless draw with Villarreal at Ibrox.
The Gers battled their way to a share of the spoils against the Spaniards as they recovered from the sending off of winger Daniel Candeias in the first half.
Now they will head to Vienna with a win and a place in the last 32 in their sights as they look to take another step on their remarkable European campaign.
Coulibaly said: “We are confident although this game will be different because it’s now about qualification.
“It will be very, very difficult to win there and we need to concentrate for them whole game, give our energy and hopefully qualify.
“But we are confident having won the game at Ibrox so well. I think we will qualify.”
Boss Gerrard had targeted four points from the final two group clashes to ensure his side would progress from a section that also includes Spartak Moscow.
The Russians’ shock defeat to Vienna last night ensured Rangers would not be eliminated no matter the result at Ibrox.
And the Light Blues turned in another battling performance to claim a second draw against Villarreal and give themselves a shot at glory next month.
Coulibaly said: “Yes, of course, because we need to qualify. We know it is not easy 11 versus 11 against Villarreal, it is very hard.
“We know we had to do all of our work to keep the score at 0-0.
“[The manager] says it was very good because it is not easy to play 10 against 11 so everyone had to work hard from the keeper to the striker. Everyone gave all their energy so he was happy for that.”
Rangers responded well to the setback of losing Candeias and could have won it in the second half as Glenn Middleton and Kyle Lafferty came close.
But Coulibaly knows Gerrard’s side were fortunate to have Allan McGregor between the sticks as the keeper pulled off a string of superb stops to play his part in a dramatic draw.
He said: “Of course he has saved the team a lot and he is helping us very well.
“Yes, he is the best goalkeeper that I have played with. I have played in Ligue 1 with Bastia and Angers but he is the best keeper.
“Of course he gives the team confidence and we need to keep that and help him.”