KO Us And Rangers Can Lift Trophy

Mar 2 2008 By Gavin Berry

GERMAN legend Klaus Allofs believes Rangers can go all the way in the UEFA Cup if they dump Werder Bremen out of Europe.

The Bundesliga side's general manager reckons his team are one of the toughest left in the competition with only tournament favourites Bayern Munich any better.

And Allofs insists the winner of their last-16 tie should fancy their chances of going all the way to the final in the City of Manchester Stadium onMay 14.

The German World Cup finalist said: "The bookmakers see Bayern as the big favourites but we are nearly on the same level.We drew 1-1 with them away from home recently and are just behind them in the Bundesliga table.

"If we hadn't had so many injuries we'd be closer. So if Rangers beat Werder Bremen in this tie, assuming we perform well, then they must have a strong chance of winning the title.

"Rangers won't get much tougher opposition than us. If they win they can beat anyone in the competition."

The Ibrox men have already defeated German rivals this season.

However, Allofs reckons Stuttgart weren't firing on all cylinders when they lost in Glasgow.

He expects a tough tie but admitted he wanted to take on the Scots rather than Greeks Panathinaikos who Gers beat in the previous round.

Allofs said: "Nothing against Sporting Braga who we played last time but we had to beat them because we were the much better team.

"But Rangers will be different as both clubs are nearly on the same level.

"This is an interesting tie because of the contrast in the way the teams play football and I'm looking forward to it.

"We were glad when Rangers qualified instead of Pana, not because we think it's an easier game but just more attractive opposition.

"We had a bad experience with Olympiakos in the Champions League this season, we lost twice against them.

"Rangers are a top European team and the atmosphere in Glasgow will be great. There is a big demand for tickets from the Werder Bremen fans.

"Even when the Champions League draw was made we were hoping to get either Rangers or Celtic because of the history, tradition and support of the Glasgow clubs.

"We saw Rangers win against Stuttgart in the Champions League but we were more disappointed with a team who were the German champions. We expected much better from them."