Johan Mjallby
Gerrard can get through his Istanbul reunion
Johan Mjallby has warned Rangers they will need to stop Malmo’s key players – Anders Christiansen and Antonio Colak – if they are to progress in the Champions League qualifiers.
The former is the playmaker, the latter the main goal threat
Celtic legend Mjallby, who was capped 49 times by Sweden, is back living in his nation’s capital, Stockholm, and keeps a close eye on his domestic league every week.
Malmo are sitting on top as the season nears its halfway point, and the reigning champions entertain Steven Gerrard’s side in Tuesday night’s first leg in the Eleda Stadium.
The Light Blues have had some good results in Europe under Gerrard against opposition such as Porto, Feyenoord and Galatasaray in the Europa League.
But this is now the champions’ playground, and a financial reward of more than £30-million awaits if they can overcome Malmo, then navigate their way through the play-off later this month.
As a player and coach with Celtic, Mjallby has been through this scenario many times, and he knows the pressure Gerrard and his men will feel.
But the same goes for Jon Dahl Tomasson and his Malmo men.
The match pits the Danish manager against Gerrard, as was the case in 2005 when he played for AC Milan against Liverpool in the Champions League Final in Istanbul.
Gerrard emerged victorious from that one on penalties after a dramatic 120 minutes had ended 3-3, and Mjallby makes Rangers slight favourites to go through after the two legs of their latest meeting.
Mjallby told The Sunday Post: “Malmo are a very experienced side. They have been through the qualifiers a number of times, and know what it takes to get over these very difficult hurdles.
“On the pitch, they are strong and physical. When it’s required, they will not hold back from any tackles.
“They have three or four excellent players and the manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson (a player with Newcastle United, Feyenoord, AC Milan and Denmark) knows his stuff.
“But Malmo are facing a team with some first-class experience of European football themselves in the past three years under Gerrard.
“Sure, the games have all been in the Europa League, but that must surely have been excellent preparation for what they face in the coming weeks in the Champions League.
“One tricky thing for Rangers is that Malmo like to mix things up with their formation and tactics. Tomasson goes from playing 4-2-3-1 to a back three.
“Whatever the formation, however,
their play will always go through Anders Christiansen. He is their main man, and makes them tick. He is 31 and has lots of experience.
“Christiansen was in the Denmark squad for the Euros, and he is the best player in Swedish league football.
“He is tricky, skilful, and can pick a pass.
“Depending on the tactical instructions from the manager, he will either play as a No. 10, or operate very effectively in a deeper role in central midfield.
“If Rangers can stop him from being in full flow, then they can win the tie.
“He is key to any success Malmo may have against Rangers.
“Antonio Colak, who spent a chunk of his career in Germany with a variety of clubs, is also a threat.
“He’s 27, scores goals and is very powerful.
“The former Celtic player, Jo Inge Berget, also now plays for Malmo. He works really hard, and is dangerous at running in behind.
“I know Malmo are trying to be cute, and playing down their chances, saying that Rangers are big, big favourites.
“But the mood in the Malmo camp before these games will be that they can pull this off, and progress to the final qualifier.
“The tie is a tough one to call – but I’d make Rangers 60/40 favourites.”
Tomasson’s men are looking to lift their seventh title in the last 12 years.
It’s an impressive record, but Rangers have also excelled under Gerrard.
Mjallby said: “Malmo are in a rhythm, and there is a nice flow to their play.
“It absolutely gives them an advantage as Rangers will have had just one competitive game – against Livingston – under their belts going into the first leg.
“But Rangers are strong. They have an excellent goalkeeper in Allan Mcgregor, and two good central defenders in Connor Goldson and Filip Helander.
“Steven Gerrard has them playing good football, and they know what is required of them from the coaching staff.
“As someone with a Celtic background, that’s difficult for me to say, and it was a hard watch – even from this distance – to see them
winning the league so comfortably last season.
“Celtic just couldn’t get going, and they never found a run of form.
“Rangers won the first derby match at Parkhead 2-0, and they never looked back. They won the league by 25 points, and that tells a huge story.
“They are now in a position to get into the Champions League, and there will be a determination to do so. But Malmo will not be easy opponents.”
Mjallby’s former club suffered another blow when they were knocked out of the Champions League by Midtjylland last Wednesday night.
But he believes the £4.5m signing of central defender, Carl Starfelt, from Ruben Kazan will help.
Mjallby said: “I’ve been aware of Carl’s career since he was a teenager with Brommapojkarna. He has a good turn of pace, and is also aggressive.
“He has the necessary qualities to do very well in Scotland, and the Celtic supporters will like his style.
“It’s just unfortunate that he wasn’t signed a couple of weeks earlier to help in the Champions League qualifiers.”