Mutu: Gers have turned the beautiful game ugly

Apr 27 2008 By Mark Guidi

Fiorentina V Rangers Uefa Cup Semi-Final, 2nd Leg Thursday, Kick-Off 7.45pm, Live Stv & Itv4

FIORENTINA star Adrian Mutu last night became the latest player to slaughter Rangers for their "ugly" football.

The Romanian striker blasted Walter Smith's side for playing so defensively during their UEFA Cup semi-final at Ibrox last week.

Mutu expected Rangers to be more adventurous in the 0-0 draw and it's not the first time the Ibrox outfit have taken pelters for their style of play this term.

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi claimed Smith's men played "anti-football" after facing them in the Champions League and Werder Bremen's Daniel Jensen also had a pop following his side's defeat in the UEFA Cup.

Celtic hitman Georgios Samaras then cranked up the heat ahead of the last Old Firm showdown by claiming Gers "don't try to play football".

Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli had another dig last week andMutu agreed with his gaffer after seeing Rangers at close quarters in the first-leg clash.

The former Chelsea striker said: "We didn't expect Rangers to be like that, to defend so much. We thought as the home team they would try to attack but this is their football and we must adapt.

"I've never seen a team play like that. I thought they would maybe want to make more of a spectacle for their fans - but that was an ugly game.

"They were defending all the time and I just hope we see a bit more attacking in the next game. I'd like to see them contribute more spectacular football in the return on Thursday."

Mutu expects Rangers to be better in the second leg because they will have Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson back after bans.

He said: "We would have liked to have left Ibrox with a goal but it wasn't to be.

"Now we must make sure in the next game.

"Rangers have some players back for this match but we will be ready.

"They defended well at Ibrox and had all their players behind the ball.

They were also aggressive.

"Rangers are strong in the air but we knew that beforehand because it is the way football is played in Scotland.

"We tried to adapt but didn't quite manage it."

Mutu is also confident his side will put on a much better performance in Italy.

And he's desperate to add to the six goals he has bagged in Europe this term.

Mutu insisted: "You can expect to see something different from us.

"We want to get to the final but Rangers have done well away from home.

"The crowd will have a big part to play. I hope our fans get right behind us and urge us on.

"It is important for us to get recognition by reaching the UEFA Cup Final.

"But I know it also means so much to Rangers and that's why every player will need to give his all."