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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Giovanni van Bronckhorst recalls Barcelona glory as he eyes Champions League success with Rangers

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST heard the Champions League anthem ring round Ibrox and evoke recollections of some of his finest nights as a player.

Now the Rangers boss is determined to make new memories as a manager as he attempts to lead his side into the group stages this term.

The Light Blues head into the second leg of their play-off clash with PSV Eindhoven with it all to do in Holland after a 2-2 draw at Ibrox last week.

Victory at the Philips Stadion would be a remarkable feat for Van Bronckhorst's side as they attempt to clinch a group stage berth for the first time since 2010.

And the former Barcelona star is fully aware of the significance of the 90 minutes that await on what could prove to be a historic night for Rangers.

Van Bronckhorst said: “If you are involved in football. I was involved in the Champions League as a player.

"I won the Champions League. I have coached in Champions League and every time I hear that tune something special happens with me.

“I am sure all the players all the players who have been involved in the tournament feel the same.

“There will be some who listened to the song last week for the first time. It brings emotions because it’s such significance, that tune.

“It’s the best club tournament in the world to be involved in. That’s for everyone, for the fans and for the clubs, for the players and the staff. It’s something special and it never goes away.

“I won it in Paris in 2006 and that’s one one my proudest achievements in football.

“I also played in Champions League with Feyenoord, my team, after so many year.

“But nothing would make me prouder than bringing Champions League back to Ibrox.”

Rangers came up agonisingly short in the Europa League last season as a final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt denied them the silverware in Seville.

A potential £40million jackpot awaits if Ruud van Nistelrooy's side can be overcome and the ramifications of victory would be transformative on and off the park at Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst said: "For me it is not about trying to go into the Champions League to get more players in.

"Of course we are aware that the transfer window is open for eight, nine more days and we have to be ready because so many things have happened in the last days of the transfer window.

"My objective is to win to go into the group stages and bring very positive things back to the club. That is the only thinking I have.

"It is the level we want to compete in. Of course we have to qualify for it so that is why we are in qualification now and we have the chance to qualify.

"We need a positive result against PSV and of course it would bring so many good things to the club.

"It is obvious that everyone wants to be involved and we just have to make sure. I am really aware of my players focused to do everything to get us through."

Rangers will be without striker Alfredo Morelos after he was left at home amid concerns over his fitness and mindset and doubts over his long-term future at Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst won't have long-term absentees Filip Helander or Kemar Roofe available, while John Souttar and Ben Davies have also been ruled out of the second leg.

Van Bronckhorst said: “Kemar and John Souttar didn’t travel.

"Ben Davies didn’t travel either. [Glen] Kamara is back in the squad and is available.

“With the injuries, they are not short. They will not be back in the coming days for weeks, regarding John and Kemar.

“But Ben Davies will hopefully join us next week in training.”

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