Lambert sees Kamada as a threat to Rangers facing his fate in Seville
Paul Lambert skippered Celtic when they lost the 2003 UEFA Cup Final 3-2 against Porto in Seville 19 years ago.
Rangers return to the same city on Wednesday night to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League showdown.
And Lambert believes that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side can go one better than Martin O’neill’s side and lift the trophy.
However, he rates the Germans very highly, and has singled out Daichi Kamada as the main threat to the Light Blues’ chances.
Lambert – who won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997 – still keeps a close eye on the Bundesliga, and has studied Eintracht.
So he knows plenty about both teams, and told The Sunday Post: “I’ve watched all of Eintracht’s games in Europe, and they know their stuff.
“You look at some of the results they have had in this competition in the past nine months, and it is very impressive.
“They haven’t lost in 12 games, and they have taken some big scalps.
“The headline is obviously knocking out Barcelona. That was an incredible result. To beat Barca in their own backyard took something special.
“Not many teams win in the Nou Camp, so that tells you plenty about their calibre.
“Beating West Ham was also a cracking result for them. West Ham have been flying all season, and have some quality players,but they lost home and away to Eintracht.
“That’s why they must not be taken for granted.
“I know that Rangers will know they face an almighty task, and will have to be at their very, very best to lift the trophy.
“They’ll need to defend solidly, and take any chances at the other end.
“Eintracht are by no means a one-man team, but I do really rate Kamada,
“He is a top midfielder. He plays for Japan and is highly regarded in the Bundesliga.
“If you give him time and space, he will hurt you. He has the ability to dictate the flow of a game, so he needs to be watched closely.
“I suppose Giovanni will go with Ryan Jack and John Lundstram at the heart of the team. It’s important they do not allow Kamada to run the show.”
Lambert is also impressed with Eintracht head coach, Oliver Glasner.
He said: “Oliver knows his stuff. He is very experienced and respected in German football.
“When it comes to tactics and formations, he is flexible. He doesn’t like to be rigid. He is capable of throwing up a surprise or two.
“His team will be well-prepared, and will know all about Rangers. He will leave no stone unturned.”
The same, of course, can be said of van Bronckhorst.
In various games this season, he has shown his tactical nous and Lambert said: “Giovanni has impressed me, and knocking out both Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig were two massive results and performances.
“Rangers performed extremely well in the four games to achieve those results.
“Now they are just 90 minutes away from lifting European silverware, and it’s got all the makings of a memorable game.
“Eintracht’s form in the Bundesliga hasn’t been consistent enough, but they’ve more than made up for it with their European performances.
“They have been sensational. It’s going to be tough for Rangers, no doubt.
“Equally, Rangers have what it takes to win in midweek. They also have top players.
“As Rangers skipper, James Tavernier will be very proud to lead the team out. He has to enjoy it. It will be one of the biggest nights of his life.”
Lambert’s main concern this week is the fact the Final is being played at the Ramon Sanchez-pizjuan Stadium, with a capacity of just 43,000.
He stressed: “That’s nowhere near enough. UEFA should be holding their showpiece games in venues that host at least 60,000 fans.
“Eintracht fans are fanatical and follow their team everywhere. I think they had 30,000 in the Nou Camp.
“The Rangers supporters will also attend in huge numbers, and it’s important that all fans respect the city and value the occasion.
“It has all the makings of a great spectacle, and both teams have absolutely nothing to lose.
“They should go for it from the first whistle, and I expect both teams to do just that.
“Come off the park at full-time with no regrets, knowing you gave your all.
“I’ve won a European Final, and the feeling was one of incredible joy. I was very proud.
“I’ve also lost a European Final – and that still hurts like mad to this day.”