Legia manager Vukovic won't look to Boruc for Rangers insight

The Poles must topple Boruc's former Old Firm sparing partners Rangers to qualify.

Author: Kerri-Ann DochertyPublished 22nd Aug 2019

Legia Warsaw boss Aleksandar Vukovic plans to wait until his side reach the group stages before picking the brains of former Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

The Poles must topple Boruc's former Old Firm sparing partners Rangers to qualify.

But Vukovic admits the ex-Parkhead number one - who departed Glasgow in 2010 - has been away from Scotland too long to be regarded as a useful source of information on Steven Gerrard's team.

"I think I will call Artur Boruc when we meet the Premier League team in the group stage,'' he said ahead of Thursday's first leg at the Polish Army Stadium.

"He's been out of Scotland for so long that I think that information from him would not be helpful.

"But we saw in the games against Midtjylland that Rangers presented as a very good side. They are a demanding rival, with high quality, with experienced players in the team. We have a difficult task ahead of us and a nice challenge.

"I don't think we have anything to lose. We fight for the UEFA Europa League group stage, it is our goal and dream. I must admit that this is the type of match we want us to play as often as possible. We want to face the legendary rival, a strong club that electrifies us and the fans.

"I hope that together with the filled stadium we will present ourselves as best we can."

Vukovic also leapt to the defence of teenage frontman Sandro Kulenovic who was booed off during their 1-0 weekend win over Zaglebie.

The 19-year-old has been keeping last season's top scorer Carlitos out of the team despite having gone six games without finding the net.

Vukovic said: "I will honestly say that I did not talk to him about the behaviour of the supporters.

"There are divided opinions and I think that there are those who understand that he gives a lot to the team.

"He is a strong boy. I expect him to show character again because I know he has it. I'm not afraid that this boy will play worse because someone does not like him.

"Sandro Kulenovic is our choice, not because of my preferences but because it is the best option for the team.

"Carlitos is very involved and I have no problem with him. If that were the case, he would not be in the frame. The bench is not the worst thing a footballer can encounter.

"I am sure that tomorrow the whole stadium will support us. I know that the time is coming when everyone can't wait for such a big match. There will be less criticism now, this is the past."