PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers: Michael Beale enjoys ‘big moment’ ahead of Champions League play-off second leg | football news

Michael Beale stressed the importance of this week for everyone at Rangers as he looks to first lead his team to PSV Eindhoven and reach the Champions League.

The play-off first leg against the Dutch side at Ibrox last week ended in a 2-2 draw and a further improvement from the Scottish Premiership opening day defeat at Kilmarnock was confirmed again on Saturday with their win by 2-0 over Ross. County.

Beale will be hoping the full 90+ minute performance he is seeking will come at Philips Stadion on Wednesday night, ahead of Celtic’s league visit on Sunday, where they will be able to top Old Firm rivals with a win.

“It’s a tremendously exciting week if you’re a Rangers player or supporter and I’m no different as a manager,” said Beale, who revealed that midfielder Kieran Dowell will be out with a slight knee problem.

“The two games we have ahead of us in the next four or five days is what it’s all about, playing for this club.

“If you can’t enjoy it and you can’t take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, then you probably don’t deserve to be at our club.

“It’s a great moment. It’s important that we give everything to this match, it’s a final, if you will, in that sense.

“This team should put in a great performance and we have a great opportunity. We know we’ll have to do better than last week if we want to go through.”

“There won’t be too many surprises, but we have a lot of variety in attacking positions.

“We know we’ll have to be strong defensively first and then take advantage of our opportunities when they present themselves.”

After qualifying for last season’s group stage, Rangers lost all six games, including a 7-1 loss to Liverpool, to post the worst record in Champions League history.

Beale, however, is desperate for another chance to compete.

“it would be huge [to qualify]”It would be huge for the club and the fans first and foremost, and for this group of players who are desperate to play in that competition again.”

“For me and the staff, obviously, that’s the goal going into pre-season. We have a big test ahead of us to see that come true.

“I think this is a match where both teams will have chances and the more decisive team will go through.”

While PSV Eindhoven had a weekend off to prepare, Rangers traveled to Dingwall, where Beale believes the 90 minutes were beneficial to his team.

The former QPR boss said: “Obviously we have around 14 or 15 players moving in this summer and nine new players coming in. The more games you play, you think your team will get stronger.”

“It was a good win at the weekend. The clean sheet was a step in the right direction in the league and I’m pleased with that.

“Sitting here now without any injuries and everyone in a good place mentally, I think it was the right thing to play. I think it’s an advantage for us playing on the weekend.”

Bosz does not interpret anything about the previous meeting before the visit of the Rangers

PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz is silent on last season’s Champions League knockout at the hands of Rangers ahead of Wednesday’s play-off game at Philips Stadion.

Bosz, confirmed as PSV manager after the resignation of Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer, highlighted the changes at both clubs.

The 59-year-old said: “I already told you I wasn’t there last season, so for me it’s not a problem at all.

“The more you talk about it, the players may get it into their heads, but for me it’s a completely different situation.

“PSV have a different manager, some different players and the same goes for Rangers.

“For me, it’s important that the players learn from the mistakes they make and we made some mistakes last week. If we do better, it will help us a lot for the game we’ll play tomorrow.

“For me it’s not the same situation or the same game, it’s a completely new game and it’s not easy, but for me it has nothing to do with last season.

“I am always full of confidence and I still believe that we have good players.

“We have already shown this season that we can play well together, we have individual players who can decide the game, so I am very confident.

“But on the other hand, we saw what Rangers are capable of. So we have a lot of respect for the opponent and we have to be very focused and play 100 per cent to win this game.

“In every game there is a healthy tension, but it’s something you look forward to. These are the best games you can play or manage, so let’s enjoy ourselves and hopefully win this game.”

Dutch defender Patrick van Aanholt, who looked set to miss both games in the tie, could be available for the match.

Bosz said: “Patrick van Aanholt is training with us, so let’s see how it goes.” [on Tuesday] – But don’t tell the Rangers! After training I will make the decision.”

Boyd: Rangers will be a threat

Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd:

“Overall PSV were the better team in terms of possession, but Rangers looked like a threat on the counterattack.

“PSV are a good attacking team, but defensively they are weak and Rangers can attack them. They have shown that and they will look to do exactly the same in Eindhoven next week.

“There is no doubt that PSV will be the favorites to go through the tie, but last season they were also favorites at this stage.

“The Rangers will have to take a lot of pressure but, on the counter-attack, they look dangerous.”