Van Bronckhorst not getting ahead of himself after 3-0 first-leg win against Red Star Belgrade

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst emphasised that the job is not done after his side’s commanding 3-0 home win in the first leg of its Europa League last-16 tie against Red Star Belgrade.

Van Bronckhorst heaped praise on his side’s defensive structure and adaptability through the midfield, after a game that saw three Red Star goals disallowed,

“The midfield was key today because we had to change our defensive shape sometimes,” van Bronckhorst said at the post-game news conference. 

“John [Lundstram] had a really good part in that in making sure we put on pressure really early, and sometimes you need to drop into the back five. 

“I think we were very good on the ball to create chances, and I am more than happy with the result today.”

While he was more than content with his side’s showing, van Bronckhorst acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Europa League football, and anticipated a high-pressure clash when Rangers travel to Belgrade for the second leg.

“I think that [Red Star] are very strong – they are here for a reason,” he said. “I’m happy with the result, but this tie isn’t over yet. 

“There are many goals in this competition, so to score three against Red Star is a great performance, but as I said when we played Dortmund away, we are only half way. 

“The key in Europe against really tough sides, you have to be dynamic and versatile in the shapes that you play – that’s what I told the players as well.

“If we wanted to go through to the next round, we had to make sure we were ready to make changes.

“I’m really happy to go to Belgrade next week, it’s going to be very hard, but we have a three-goal difference with us. This tie isn’t over yet.

“We have to be ready, but we will park Europe at the moment, and we’ll work and prepare ourselves for Dundee on Sunday.”

Giovanni van Bronckhorst praised his Rangers team after tonight’s 3-0 victory at Ibrox.

Read full match reaction from the manager

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 10, 2022

Van Bronckhorst also took the opportunity to give a special mention to Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who saved a penalty in the 24th minute.

“I know how important [McGregor] can be for the team,” he said. “Tonight he showed that with the great save from the penalty, but also some crucial saves in Europe that he has made. I’m very pleased for Allan, he is part of the team. 

“We win together and we lose together, I have full confidence in him and my squad. We just have to continue and make sure that we show the same spirit and character in the remainder of the games that we are going to play.”