Pana Boss Cranks Up Gers Clash

Feb 10 2008 By Gordon Waddell In Athens

COCKY Panathinaikos coach Jose Peseiro insists all the pressure is on Rangers ahead of their UEFA Cup clash.

The Portuguese boss believes his side hold a major advantage over the Ibrox team because Wednesday night's first leg is in Glasgow.

Peseiro knows Gers are big favourites to progress to the last 16 and insists the Greeks can use their underdog status to spring a surprise.

He said: "To play the first leg in Glasgow is good for us because it means the pressure is all on Rangers.

"If we get a goal at Ibrox it would be sensational and give us a huge advantage going back to Athens. Rangers have come into the UEFA Cup from the Champions League so they are outstanding favourites.

"But Panathinaikos aren't at this stage through luck - we deserve to be here.

"We have prepared well for the tie and the UEFA Cup is so important to this club.

"It's our dream to reach the last 16 at least.

"We know Rangers inside out. They are a far superior team to Aberdeenwho we beat in the group stages but we've put together a strategy to go there and try to win."

The Greeks are relishing a knockout tie after finishing second in their group behind Atletico Madrid.

Peseiro feels his team are on a par with Walter Smith's side but admits one mistake could be fatal.

He said: "It's different now because it's direct knockout matches. We know just one significant error against Rangers could mean that we go out. It's 50-50whetherwe get through but our objective is to change that after the first leg.

"The fans of Rangers and Panathinaikos are similar too. They have so much passion and make a lot of noise to inspire their teams.

"For that reason I don't see a problem for my players adapting to the atmosphere at Ibrox."

Peseiro has pinpointed Rangers' defence as the strongest part of their side.

But he is certain if Pana can unsettle Davie Weir and Carlos Cuellar at the heart of it they can go on to win the tie.

He said: "Our aim has to be to break down the Rangers defence of Weir and Cuellar. That's maybe the best line of their team.

"We must win the ball in midfield and attack from there. If we can open up the centre of their defence success is guaranteed and we should be able to finish the tie in Greece."