Walter Smith says he knows it is essential for Rangers to overturn their poor home performances in the Champions League when they face VfB Stuttgart tonight if they are to have any hope of European football after Christmas.
Rangers have been thrashed 4-1 at Ibrox by both Sevilla and Unirea, but performed better on the road, picking up draws against Stuttgart and the Romanian champions.
“Our home performances have been disappointing never mind the situation of our performance away from home,” said the Rangers manager.
"Our home performances have been disappointing and we have to show a good reaction to that problem. That’s the main thing from our own point of view.
“As I say, it is a strange circumstance for us to lose two home matches 4-1, especially the Unirea game which was a blip in our own part. It was an exceptionally poor performance from us and we have to make sure we try and make up for that.”
Rangers are currently sitting bottom of Group G, one point behind Stuttgart, and require a win over the German side at Ibrox ahead of their final match away to group leaders Sevilla.
A win for Stuttgart, however, would see the visitors at least secure a Europa League place and manager Markus Babbel insists his side will fight for a victory, but knows the pressure lies firmly with Rangers.
“We are not under pressure, we can play our style of football, we know Glasgow Rangers is an experienced team. They have to do something, but I think we are ready and we want to fight for the three points.”
Last updated: 24 November 2009, 13:59
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