Malmo boss John Dahl Tomasson reckons the heat is on Rangers – because the Scottish champs need the Champions League cash.
The Swedes are looking to finish the job in Glasgow on the back of last week’s shock 2-1 first leg win and their manager laughed off suggestions his men will be under pressure protecting their lead.
Gers need to win by two clear goals with the away goal rule scrapped this season and former Denmark star Tomasson aimed a cheeky pop at the Light Blues on the eve of the showdown.
When asked who was under the most pressure to qualify, he said: “Don’t you think that they need the Champions League ’s money here? I think so. I think they need that. I think that’s a good answer, isn’t it? I think you all are clever lads so you understand it.
“We got a good result last week but if it had been 2-0 it would have been an incredible result. Rangers are the big favourites in this game.
“If you look at the finances then we can’t compare the two teams.
“My players are motivated for a game against a very good side.
“Rangers have some excellent players and a great manager and it is good to see them back where they belong.
“It will be a challenge but we are up for it and we will do our best.”
Malmo have been the scourge of Scottish sides in recent times – dumping Rangers out of the Champions League qualifiers when they were last at this stage a decade ago before knocking out Ronny Delia’s Celtic and embarrassing Hibs 9-0 on aggregate in the Europa League.
But Tomasson challenged his class of 2021 to create another shock on Scottish soil.
He said: “For our supporters it’s always fine to have that history because it’s a walk down memory lane of big results.
“I think this Glasgow Rangers side is better than 10 years ago so I don’t use that much energy regarding that.
“We won last week and everyone of my players should think about writing a new chapter in the history of Malmo.
“They have technical players with lovely skill and power and running capacity. It’s a good side and not just the first XI. They actually have two teams that are good.
“We have to do the right things with the ball as well as defending. The first game was a solid game by us against a big favourite. We saw where the space was in that game and hopefully we can take advantage of that space even more.
“Every player and manager lives for big moments in big game. It is a huge game so first of all enjoy it.
“It’s lovely that we have come through the first round of qualification and the ambition for the club was to get to the group stages in Europe.
“We have done that so we are allowed to dream now.”
Tomasson insisted his side won’t be scared by a packed Ibrox – and they’ll even relish being booed again.
He said: “I think the fans are looking forward to that as well. They’ve missed it.
“It’s fantastic that it will be a full stadium because Scottish fans are full of passion.
“Football is for the fans so we need them back inside stadiums because it’s been terrible without them due to Covid.
“You play football for the people, so it’s fantastic they are back.”
