McLeish acclaims Rangers achievement
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Article summary
Rangers FC manager Alex McLeish hailed his side's "wonderful achievement" after their progression from UEFA Champions League Group H.
Article body
Rangers FC manager Alex McLeish lauded his side's impressive achievement after a 1-1 draw with FC Internazionale Milano proved enough to earn progress from UEFA Champions League Group H. Peter Løvenkrands' swift reply to Adriano's first-half header propelled Rangers into the Round of 16 - the first Scottish team to advance beyond the group stage - but only after an anxious wait on conformation of the stalemate between FC Artmedia and FC Porto.
Alex McLeish, Rangers manager
I'm delighted, but I will let it all sink in. I'm sure I will celebrate this with my family and my friends and then get my feet back on the ground. I will discuss my future with the chairman [David Murray] over the next 48 hours. Maybe I will have something to say then after some sort of frenzy tomorrow. I'm not going to be drawn into talking about my future tonight. This result is tempered a bit by the poor league form at the moment, but it's a marvellous achievement; it's never been done [by a Scottish side] so it's nice to be able to do it.
We have created some records for the wrong reasons lately, but this is one that is up there with my other achievements as a manager. We have all underperformed and we have all had criticism for it. Løvenkrands' pace tonight caused problems to their rearguard. To exploit that you need players to provide those passes. Thomas Buffel was excellent, while Barry Ferguson and Bob Malcolm were very disciplined in midfield. The fans were fantastic. They want a good, flowing Rangers team every week and I am glad we have been able to repay them. Their backing was magnificent.
Roberto Mancini, Inter coach
I was expecting a tough game and I am very happy with the result, although we got a couple of injuries. I am very happy for Mr McLeish to get to the second stage. He will now have more time to do well in the [Scottish] championship. The atmosphere was extraordinary. Our support and our players enjoyed themselves. How far can Rangers go? Rangers will need two things; firstly a bit of luck and secondly to avoid one of the big teams, and then they will have a chance of going further.
