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Daily Record
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Gavin Berry

Every word of Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst's press conference as he responds to Ryan Kent's Franck Ribery comparison

After the high of the Westfalenstadion win, it's all about mentality for Rangers ahead of Sunday's trip to Tayside.

The stage will be very different but no less important - and arguably more vital in the eyes of the fans.

Retaining the Scottish Premiership title is the priority this season with the carrot of automatic Champions League group stage qualification.

So while the famous 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund created headlines around the continent Giovanni van Bronckhorst knows all the focus must now be on the Tangerines.

The Dutchman held his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip and reflected on the historic win, Owen Hargreaves comparing Ryan Kent to Franck Ribery and even switching to a back five during the game.

Here is his press conference in full:

Feeling?

"Of course it’s a good feeling to come back from Germany with a win. We are all very proud of the performances we had.

"But today is new day and another game is waiting for us on Sunday. That needs all the focus we have, also the preparation.

"The emotions are still really good but I’m fully focused now on preparing the team for Sunday."

Where does that result rank in Rangers history?

"I don’t know exactly. I don’t have all the results in my mind of the history of this club.

"But it’s definitely, for me and also the players, a very good and historic win.

"You can see all the reactions we are getting. It means you did a really good performance.

"On the other hand, we also know it is only halfway. We’re really happy with the result and now we have a game at Ibrox with the full backing of the fans.

"Hopefully we can make sure this win we had can also mean we are going through to the next round because obviously that is the main objective we have in this tie."

Is Owen Hargreaves' comparison between Ryan Kent and Franck Ribery fair?

"I can see the comparison because I think they are both playing the same way. They are not very big, they move very alike and can beat players in a one against one.

"So I’m really happy for Ryan with the performances he is putting in and the danger he has when we are attacking.

"Also his defensive work was also impressive. He is becoming a better player every game.

"Hopefully we can improve his performances and development but he is definitely one of the players who is stepping up his game in recent weeks."

Will Fashion Sakala, Kemar Roofe and Jon McLaughlin be back for Sunday?

"We brought the squad to Germany with the players available. We couldn’t bring them with us.

"We have to see today but hopefully they can be involved in the squad on Sunday."

VAR?

"I am pro-VAR because it will help the officials to get a good game. If you saw two decisions that were made... first with the penalty and then the goal we scored.

"The linesman said it was offside. They were both vital, changing moments in the game.

"You can imagine if VAR wasn’t there, we probably wouldn’t get the penalty and the fourth goal would be denied.

"So it shows at critical moments, deciding moments, you can make it easier for the ref and for both teams.”

Moving to a back three?

"We didn’t play this a lot, I think this is the second time we did it. We did it against Hibs away when we switched to a five defensive system.

"It’s a system I have used before and we had to do it because of the numbers Dortmund put forward.

"We needed more bodies at the back. It’s still a system we can improve on with detail, but it’s definitely one we can use if needed.”

Important to focus?

“It’s easy, we are now changing our focus to our domestic league. We have had some good moments recently, we all know the importance of this game.

"The players are in a good moment, but they are really focused. Directly after the game we started our recovery for Sunday, today as well.

"We will have a final session on Saturday to prepare for the game. Now we want to switch our focus to the league.

"We know it will be a tough game on Sunday, but we need the points so we need to be ready for the challenge and if I look at the players after the game I think we will be."

What do you expect from Dundee United?

“It’s a team and a ground that can be very difficult. The first game we played there this season, we lost, and they gave us a tough challenge the last time we met at Ibrox.

Scott McMann and Rangers Iani Hagi compete during Dundee United's visit to Ibrox (SNS Group)

"So we know it’s going to be difficult. But we have to make sure we keep putting the energy and effort into games that we have done lately. Then I think we have a big chance to get a good result.

"But we have to work hard and be strong as a unit. I’m really confident we can extend our form on Sunday."

What to make of Ryan Jack and John Lundstram's partnership?

“The partnership with John is also important for the balance in the team. So I’m really happy with their performances.

"They are part of the team and in the last games, we played really good football and have really good balance.

"We recognise very well what’s needed at moments in games - if we need to high press or stay as a block.

"So I’m really happy at the moment the team is in - for me as a manager, it’s just very important to keep the momentum and keep them working hard.

"You have to do that to make sure you are on this level. There’s no time for slip-ups. We have to be focused and, at the moment, we really are."

Alfredo Morelos - is there an injury concern?

“No, he wasn’t injured. He was just exhausted and tired because of the performance he put in - not only with the ball, but also his defensive responsibilities which he did really well together with the others.

"So I don’t think he will be a doubt for Sunday. I think he will be fit.”

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