Diego's Warning To Gers

Mar 2 2008 By Gavin Berry In Bremen

SAMBA star Diego last night warned Werder Bremen will go for the jugular in Glasgow and launch an all-out attack against Rangers.

Brazilian flair player Diego was suspended for yesterday's 2-0 home win over Dortumund but will be let loose on Gers in the first leg of their UEFA Cup clash at Ibrox on Thursday.

He said: "To play the first leg away from home is positive for us but we will not go to Scotland with a defensive mentality.

"We aim to dominate the match and score a goal that will increase our chances of qualifying for the next round.

"It's vital we stick to our normal game in Glasgow and don't get involved in the direct style of Rangers.

"I am optimistic we will go through although Rangers will be difficult opponents.

"My dream is to be in the final of the UEFA Cup with a match against Bayern Munich to decide the trophy."

Bremen boss Thomas Schaaf reckons Diego - named by Walter Smith as a big threat to his Gers - will be straining at the leash by kick-off time in Glasgow.

He said: "It's a shame he was suspended in the Bundesliga but at least he's fresh for Rangers.

"Diego wants to play in every game. If you ask him if he wants a break he'd say no.

"He is a special player and we miss him when he's out. He makes special passes, dribbles, scores but also plays for the team."

Schaaf, who could be without captain Frank Baumann for Thursday's test, insists Bremen's UEFA Cup bid won't be derailed by a fixture pile-up.

The Germans are being forced to play twice in just 40 hours with the Ibrox game followed by a league match at Stuttgart on Saturday.

Schaaf reckons his boys can handle it after surviving a similar situation in the last round against Braga.

He said: "We played Braga on Thursday and Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday with just 39 hours between games.

"When you're in European competition you have to expect a lot of games and we have a squad that can cope.

"In recent years our players have played 40 competitive matches in half a season."

Bremen midfielder Daniel Jensen added: "It's a bit of a stupid situation but it's to do with sponsorship and money.

"Playing twice in close succession does have an impact on you. And when your body is tired you have more chance of picking up injuries.

"Of course we will have five days to recover before the second leg against Rangers.

"I don't know if that gives us an advantage - but we won't have any excuses."

Schaaf admitted Baumann is a doubt for the trip to Ibrox.

The club captain had to sit out yesterday's victory with a virus.

Schaaf said: "I don't know what will happen with Frank.

We will monitor his situation.

"My team have coped well with our injury problems and did well against Dortmund.

"We had problems keeping the ball in midfield and were under pressure. But I changed it round and we improved."