World NewsZenit Are a Match for Euro Giants - Smith |
Rangers manager Walter Smith believes UEFA Cup final opponents Zenit St Petersburg will pose as many problems as any side they have faced in Europe this season - including Barcelona and Lyon.
The Russian club, managed by former Ibrox boss Dick Advocaat, reached their first ever European final with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich in the semi-final.Rangers' UEFA Cup journey began after failing to come through their Champions League group which included Barcelona, Lyon and Stuttgart.
Smith's side then battled past Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina on their way to the final at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14.
Smith said: "When you look back over their campaign, you will see that Zenit have beaten some notable teams.
"In all probability the result against Bayern Munich was one of the results of the European season.
"To get a 1-1 draw in Munich and then win 4-0 at home against a strong side show their quality.
"If we take our European season, both in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup, we have played against teams of good quality.
"Barcelona, Lyon, Stuttgart and Werder Bremen were excellent.
"I would expect Zenit to be of the same standard as the teams we have played in the that competition.
"So we will have to play as well as we have done in any of the European games this season if we hope to win."
Advocaat was in the Ibrox director's box on Wednesday night to see his former side beat Motherwell 1-0 to keep the pressure on Celtic at the top of the Clydesdale Ban Premier League.
Smith revealed his admiration for the man who took over from him at Ibrox in 1998 and admits they are both equally determined to win the UEFA Cup.
The former Scotland boss said: "Dick is an outstanding coach and he has showed that everywhere he has gone.
"I don't need to speak to him, his own achievements speak for themselves.
"For someone to go to a foreign country, especially a country like Russia, must be very difficult but he has handled that extremely well.
"We had a good laugh after the Motherwell game talking about who wants to win the trophy more.
"I don't think there is much between us on that, nor will there be much between our teams on the night."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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