Expectation was high. It wasn’t easy in the first leg but I’m confident that we’ll get better
EUROPA LEAGUE
JONATAN Johansson does not have to delve too deep into his memory bank to recall a time when scoring goals for Rangers in Europe was a feat he seemed capable of carrying out in his sleep.
Back in 1998-99, the Finn shrugged off a largely forgettable first season at Ibrox to become something of a lucky charm for the incoming Dick Advocaat whenever continental opposition came into focus.
The scorer of both goals as the Dutchman’s side finally put Shelbourne to the sword at Ibrox, the striker went on to score at home to Beitar Jerusalem and home and away to Bayer Leverkusen before an impressive run through five rounds of the UEFA Cup was finally ended by eventual winners Parma prior to Christmas.
Some 19 years on from those heady days, you suspect the man who has returned to Rangers in the capacity of first-team coach would gladly trade one of those treasured triumphs for a solitary moment of glory from one of the present-day squad in Luxembourg tomorrow.
Rangers’ failure to truly sparkle under the glare of a capacity Ibrox crowd last Thursday has rendered tomorrow’s return against Progres Niederkorn far more meaningful than many anticipated.
For all the likelihood is that Pedro Caixinha’s men will crunch through the gears and progress, the one-nil scoreline, courtesy of Kenny Miller’s opportunist strike, means there can be no room for even a shred of complacency.
As downbeat as the mood after the first leg was, however, Johansson took solace from the prosaic fact of the match: irrespective of the opponent, a first-leg victory which comes with a clean sheet is still a positive result.
Were someone in light blue to reprise his form of yesterday and net even once in the Stade Josy Barthel, the chances of Niederkorn progressing would be somewhere close to nil.
‘If we do score over there, I would expect that would be enough,’ said Johansson. ‘If we can get one they would need three.
‘Coaches are no different to anyone else. We hoped for more goals in the first leg and that would have made a big difference, but a 1-0 win is still a good result and we’re very confident to take it with us into the next game.’
Rangers were not the first side, and assuredly will not be the last, to find that the inaugural competitive assignment of the season can find the mind willing but the body weak.
Only in fits and starts last Thursday did Caixinha’s side look like a force to be reckoned with. For the most part, they lacked cohesion and craft. With three weeks’ training now under the belts of a squad that’s been transformed, the smart money is on the hard work bearing fruit sooner rather than later. Johansson firmly believes tomorrow will prove to be a significant milestone along that road.
‘We know we can do better, that’s for sure,’ added the 41-year-old. ‘But it’s early in the season. In the first half of the first leg there was a lot of good stuff to build on and take to the return. We were happy with that.
‘We did create enough chances to score a second goal, and maybe a third, but just couldn’t get it.
‘The first game wasn’t straightforward. It never is. I guess it’s quite normal that towards the end of the game, with them sitting in, it was difficult.
‘It’s only the third week of the season. We played a couple of friendlies but competitive games are different. The last third is where we all feel we need to work on going forward.
‘It’s a step forward. Players are still looking for fitness. We’ve still got many who need those minutes under their belts.’
That said, even a half-cocked Rangers should surely have had enough to make tomorrow’s game a formality.
Although this is the Ibrox club’s first European tie in six years, Progres Niederkorn have never won once in their six previous attempts. In those 12 matches, they scored just once and conceded 40.
‘I think expectations were high,’ added Johansson. ‘Coaches are no different from the fans and players. Of course we have high expectations and we want to play better as soon as possible.
‘We want to bring all the good stuff from the first half, so we perform better for a longer time on Tuesday. I’m totally confident that we are going to do that.’
To varying degrees, Caixinha’s new charges all suggested they have something to offer. Fabio Cardoso looked skilful and composed in defence. Ryan Jack performed commendably in a screening role.
On the flank, Dalcio looked lively if a little erratic. Daniel Candeias, who appeared from the bench, looked quick and direct. His fellow substitute, Alfredo Morelos, had little time to make an impact.
‘I thought they did well especially in the first half,’ said Johansson. ‘They looked sharp and quick — a threat in many ways.
‘It’s only the third week. In the second half, a little bit of tiredness crept in. But it’s still early.’
Of all the players to hit the heights so early, the name of Niko Kranjcar came as something of a surprise. The Croat’s technique is beyond reproach. Often, though, his stamina has been found wanting. He lasted 69 minutes of the first leg. Johansson feels, like Kranjcar’s team-mates, his sphere of influence will only increase as the weeks roll by.
‘You look at someone like Niko — he was fantastic for 60-65 minutes and you know he will be fitter again next week,’ said Johansson.
‘The goal that he and Kenny combined for was excellent. As a team, it’s the first time a lot of these guys have played together in a competitive game. In pre-season friendlies there just isn’t the same level of expectation and competition. So I think that this was really good for our development. It will give us a lot for the return leg.’
The nagging concern remains the source of the goal that would settle the issue. Even at the age of 37, Miller remains by far the best proposition to get one. Martyn Waghorn is capable of delivering but damaged his chances of
If we do score over there, I think it would be enough
remaining in Caixinha’s plans with an uninspiring showing on Thursday. Morelos, who Johansson hand-picked from HJK Helsinki, may well find himself front and centre stage.
‘I hope so,’ the Finn replied when asked about the Colombian’s availability to start if required.
‘A few of the new guys have only been together for a week, so it’s tough on them to get to know everybody and to get used to the system.
‘Some of the other players have been here for three weeks, so it’s a massive difference. They are getting towards full fitness and also to understand their team-mates and the system. He might play a bigger part in Luxembourg.’