Philippe Clement encourages Rangers to surprise Europe by eliminating Benfica from the competition.
Confident Philippe Clement has issued a challenge to Rangers, urging them to capture the attention of Europe by advancing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League at the expense of Benfica.
With the first leg in Lisbon ending in a 2-2 draw, the Ibrox manager, prepared to welcome back influential midfielder Todd Cantwell from injury, believes it would be a significant statement for his squad if they could eliminate the Portuguese title contenders on Thursday.
“We are aware that Benfica boasts a highly talented squad with considerable experience,” Clement stated during his pre-match press conference. “They count World Cup winners among their ranks, along with numerous promising talents likely to attract substantial transfer interest after this season. Additionally, there are players with extensive experience at the highest level.”
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Clement emphasized the potential impact of a Rangers victory on the European stage. “We recognize that defeating Benfica would be a major surprise across Europe, but our determination to achieve that is unwavering,” he remarked.
Clement emphasized to his players that occasions like Thursday’s match offer an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities for those aspiring to compete at the highest echelons of the sport. “It would be an incredibly exciting prospect as they would make a statement to all of Europe,” he emphasized. “Such moments hold the potential to significantly impact their careers.”
He stressed the importance of collective effort, highlighting the significance of unity within the team. “While individual performances may garner attention, it’s crucial to remember that success stems from teamwork,” Clement noted. “Nights like these provide a platform for players to showcase their abilities collectively, ultimately benefiting both the team and individual aspirations.”
