The manager would have preferred if things in the group stage of the largest club tournament in Europe had turned out differently. “When we saw the draw, we thought we would breeze through the Champions League. But things didn't quite turn out how we would have liked. Napoli and Liverpool were something else. We were put through our paces against these teams at various points in the matches.”
Rangers FC in detail
In September, Ajax crushed Rangers FC 4-0. The Ajax that Schreuder saw back then was on form. "That was a good match. We have since looked at Rangers FC again in detail. We were also pleased with the score. We knew Rangers were a good team, we could tell that from when they played PSV."
The form Ajax displayed back then has now gone, Bassey also conceded. “We now have to focus on training and what the manager is telling us. That means going back to basics and rebuilding the team from scratch."
Back in Glasgow
The defender used to play for Tuesday evening's opponents, last season. He enjoyed being back at the Ibrox Stadium. "It's great being back in Glasgow and seeing familiar faces. It really does feel special. At Ajax, I got the chance to play in the Champions League for the first time. So this felt like a step in the right direction.”
“The two clubs play with very different styles,” the twenty-year-old continued. “Ajax plays exciting football, where positional play is what matters. With Rangers it's more direct. If you're watching tomorrow, you'll spot the difference.”
Squad fitness
Of the 23 players who are travelling to Glasgow, Schreuder will not be using Ahmetcan Kaplan come Tuesday evening. “He won't even appear on the bench, but he will take part in the training session.”
There is still a question mark over Brian Brobbey. “He was feeling a bit unwell after the game against Liverpool. We'll see how things are looking this evening and tomorrow. If he doesn't go down with something, he can play as normal.”
