Buzzing Ruud van Nistelrooy is primed for a Champions League thriller as the PSV boss expects nothing but the best against Rangers.
The legendary Netherlands forward is excited to reunite with his former international team-mate Giovanni van Bronckhorst as the two sides plot a route to reach European football's top table. Both Rangers and PSV did it the hard way with thrilling wins over Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco respectively.
The former Manchester United goal machine is now forging his own path in the dugout but is fully aware of the dangers that lie in store at Ibrox as he was part of the team that was thumped 4-1 during his own PSV playing days. And Van Nistelrooy is also expecting he and his players will be met with a wall of sound on Tuesday night. The noise at Ibrox hit deafening levels as USG were left stunned and it is likely to be further cranked up next week.
Speaking after the breathless 3-2 win over Monaco, he said: "I have a very high opinion of Giovanni as a person. Both of our families know each other well. When I see how Giovanni has done at Feyenoord and is now doing it again with the Rangers, I have a lot of admiration for that. Rangers are a fantastic opponent to play against. The atmosphere at Ibrox is great.” The first leg is on Tuesday, August 16 and the return leg will be in Eindhoven on Wednesday, August 25.
"Rangers are a great club and I have experienced the atmosphere at Ibrox myself. They made it to the Europea League Final, of course, so they clearly have a good squad. And it will be a nice Dutch get-together on the touchline!
But I have to give all the praise in the world to my team. They simply do not know when they are beaten. This is an exceptional team. I already thought that last season, when we fell behind in the cup final and won. We also won the Johan Cruyff Shield after falling behind.
There is a survival instinct in this team when it gets difficult. And there were areas when some of our play was world class - I am talking about the tackle by Armando Obispo and the saves from Walter Benítez. Luuk de Jong's finishing was of the highest order. They never give up. There is character and willpower in this team. Together with the supporters, they pulled us through."
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