New Rangers manager Philippe Clement will come up against former Club Brugge teammate Brian Priske in the Europa League clash with Sparta Prague.
The Belgian manager will come up against his Danish counterpart in the midweek match in the Czech Republic and has been speaking about the reunion over the weekend.
Things couldn’t have gotten off to a better start for Philippe Clement at Rangers following the 4-0 victory over Hibs but Sparta Prague and Brian Priske will be hoping to halt that on Continental duties this week.
The new Rangers boss is expecting a tough match as he heaped praise on his “friend” Brian Priske ahead of the Europa League visit.
“I have watched two of their games and their coach is a friend of mine,” Clement told the press following the win over Hibs.
“We played together at Brugge and then he coached at Antwerp. They play a 3-2-4-1 structure, with a lot of good passing between the lines.
“We hope to have as many players available in a good shape. We need as many fit players as possible. We are going to need a Rangers team on the tip of their toes to get a result against Sparta Prague
Philippe Clement set for Brian Priske reunion in Rangers v Sparta Prague
Philippe Clement played alongside former Danish international centre-back Brian Priske at the heart of the Club Brugge defence for two seasons between 2006 and 2008.
The pair formed the foundation of the club’s Belgian cup win of 2007 and it’s that winner’s mentality that Rangers are hoping Philippe Clement brings to Ibrox.
Whilst it might be all smiles and handshakes before the match, there is sure to be no quarter given as Philippe Clement looks to overcome Brian Priske and get Rangers back to winning ways in Europe.
The Ibrox side suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Aris Limassol in the last round of fixtures whilst Sparta Prague’s opening day win over the Cypriots was cancelled out by defeat to Real Betis.
With all four sides on three points after two games, it’s all to play for and Rangers boss Philippe Clement is clear that his side will need to be at their best to overcome Brian Priske and Sparta Prague.
Sparta also go into the match this week off the back of a 4-0 win, having just thumped SK Dynamo by the scoreline to maintain their unbeaten start at the top of the Czech First League.
