Pressure on Rangers says Servette manager Rene Weiler

Michael Beale's men arrive in Geneva 2-1 up after last Wednesday's meeting at Ibrox. James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers had established an early two-goal lead before Chris Bedia pulled a goal back for the Swiss side from the penalty spot.

Tomorrow's match at Stade de Geneve will be the first sell-out crowd since Servette's inaugural game in 2003. However, Weiler believes his side have already defied expectations after defeating Belgian side Genk in the previous round to ensure European football this season.

"History was made during the game against Genk. Now we are qualified for the group phase of the Europa League. That was the big challenge," he said speaking at his press conference ahead of Tuesday's fixture.  

"We did the job there, so we don’t have the pressure. Now it’s just a bonus. The pressure is on Rangers’ side." 

Weiler will welcome back Enzo Crivelli for tomorrow's match. The experienced forward is a key component of Servette's attacking play, forming a strong partnership with Bedia up top, but missed the first leg at Ibrox through suspension. 

"There is no pressure whatsoever for us. We are part of Europe and we feel at home. There is no pressure and everything will be ok," he said.

"Naturally, there will be some intensity from Rangers but we will do our best and all will be well. It will be up to us to put in all the ingredients that as necessary."

Crivelli arrived at the club in 2022, with European qualification sold as a realistic aim to him by Philippe Senderos. The former Rangers player was Sporting Director at Servette for three years before leaving the club in February of this year. 

READ MORE: Servette scouted - Direct attacks, plenty of transitions and a dangerous front line 

"When Phillipe Senderos and the head of recruitment called me about coming here, they spoke about the ambition being for European group stage football, so this is not a surprise to be in this position. We just have to keep working hard," Crivelli added.  

"We fought for this. Fatigue is there but it is part of the game. We are looking forward to the game and will certainly try and live up to expectations."

Crivelli is not the only player Weiler will welcome back tomorrow evening. Gael Ondoua returns to the squad after missing last week's tie due to his Visa being rejected. Miroslav Stevanovic, one of Servette's key players, trained on Monday but is unlikely to play from the start. 

"I work with the guys I’ve got. I don’t even ask myself the question about not having this player or that player. It’s not helpful in my work to ask those questions," Weiler said when asked how many individuals that missed out last week will return. 

"I don’t have to think about that, so I’m always happy with the players I have. I don’t like to speak about the team of Rangers in this media conference, I prefer to speak with my team in the dressing room."

Servette will be backed by a sizeable crowd compared to their usual attendance. Last season, they averaged 8500 home fans in the Swiss Super League but tomorrow, the 30,000-capacity stadium will be packed out. 

"You saw the atmosphere in Glasgow. Of course, it will be a nice atmosphere here, the first time with 30,000 speculators in Geneva, and we will see what it’s like tomorrow," Weiler added. 

"It’s going to be okay. We are going to play every three days until December. So we don’t feel tired. We are ready to go for the game tomorrow. 

"I watched the match [between Rangers and Livingston on Saturday]. I took some impressions from it but we played against Rangers just six days ago so we already had an impression of the team. Even so, I took some impressions from the game and shared them with my staff. 

"As well all know. Passion is what it is. We will try to score a goal and then everything will go well.

"We have to be ready. We have to defend well. It’s not about a question of scoring first or not because Rangers will be ready for this game as well. We have to defend well and be patient."