Rangers legend Ally McCoist has been with the club’s players and staff ahead of the final against Frankfurt on Wednesday night, offering them messages of support before the huge match.
It has been an incredible run to the final for the Scottish team, having beaten Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Braga and RB Leipzig to make it to the showpiece.
They will be underdgos once again in the final against the Germans who have downed , and Real Betis in the knockout stages.
McCoist has been spreading positivity in the camp, though, reminding players and management what a monumental achievement it has been just to get this far.
‘I had a wee chat pitchside last night with Connor Goldson and the big man [John] Lundstrom, and it was just so wonderful to look at their eyes,’ McCoist told .
‘They were looking about the stadium and it was as if they wanted to pinch themselves and say, “Are we really here?”
‘I gave them both a cuddle and I just said, “Do you know something? You’ve done us proud, regardless, and I genuinely mean it, regardless of what happens tonight you’ll obviously do your best, but try and soak it in, try and take everything in”.
‘I spoke to Gio [van Bronckhorst] and Roy Makaay and they were brilliant, both coaches.
‘They were saying look we’re trying to make it, not another game because it’s clearly not just another game, but they were just trying to play down the whole situation, saying to the boys, “Whatever you do, enjoy the experience because you may never be here again”.’
McCoist scored 355 goals in 581 games for Rangers, winning 10 Scottish titles with the club, but never got his hands on a European trophy.
Van Bronkhorst is confident that his players are ready for Europa League glory, welcoming the pressure of the situation.
‘Of course, it’s a big game and it comes with pressure as you have the ability, the chance to win a major prize,’ said the Dutchman.
‘But in any top sport you need a little pressure to perform well. That’s what we have to do.’
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