Barry Ferguson says Rangers ready to challenge 'next level' Fenerbache

Published 5th Mar 2025

Barry Ferguson says his Rangers side have shown they can step up when it comes to facing top opposition in the Europa League.

The Ibrox interim head coach takes his side to Istanbul for the first leg of their last 16 tie - his first European match in charge.

Ferguson reckons Jose Mourinho's side are one of the favourites for the tournament, but says his players have shown they can mix it with the best despite their recent poor domestic form.

He said: "I've been at all the games this season, home and away, and certainly some of the best performances this season have been in the Europa League.

"There's no doubt about that. I'm not going to hide away from the fact that they're showing their best. And I think we're coming up against a different level of them, honestly, after watching so much of Fenerbahce over the last year, four days.

"But listen, they've proved that at the highest level they can compete. They know that. And I'll expect that same sort of performance tomorrow.

"It was important that I got at least a couple of days in a row on the training field.

"As you know, last week, only one day before the Kilmarnock game and then, obviously, before the game at the weekend, it was basically a rest day on a Thursday and had the boys again on Friday.

"So, this week, we've had two full days to prepare properly and to go through certain scenarios within the game against a team who, I think, potentially could win the Europa League.

"So, we need to be at it, we need to be organised, we need to be prepared and we've certainly done that over the last few days.

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Grant Thomson

Clyde 1