Former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has advised that Rangers must strengthen their defense if they hope to secure a victory against Ferencvaros in Budapest.
Currently, Danny Rohl’s team holds just one point from five matches and desperately needs a win to boost their slim chances of qualifying.
Ferencvaros sits sixth in the standings with 11 points after five games.
“The key factor will be the defensive side of things,” Neilson shared during his appearance on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.
“This has been an area where Rangers have struggled domestically, and in European competitions, mistakes can be costly.”
Neilson acknowledged Ferencvaros as a robust and seasoned side, highlighting their top striker, Barnabas Varga, as a player who can convert any opportunity. “If you give them a chance, they will score.”
He posed the question: “Can Rangers tighten up their defense and make it harder for opponents to find the net?”
Since Rohl’s arrival, the team has improved defensively and remains unbeaten in league play.
Following three consecutive draws across all competitions, Rangers displayed their attacking prowess with a decisive 3-0 victory against Kilmarnock last weekend. Neilson feels this win will boost the team’s morale.
“The confidence within the squad is on the rise,” he remarked. “Although the performance against Kilmarnock wasn’t stellar, the result was vital.”
“Tonight’s match will be challenging in an intense environment, as European games are always tough. Given Rangers’ current standing at 33rd in the table, qualifying will be a daunting task, but this match is an opportunity to gain some much-needed positivity.”