'No, why?' Rangers boss bats away Alfredo Morelos temptation question

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst believes he was right to keep Alfredo Morelos on the bench after his side were held at home by PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of a Champions League play-off tie.

The Ibrox side were pegged back after being gifted the lead when Walter Benitez allowed Tom Lawrence’s speculative 30-yard free kick slip through his grasp. Slack marking allowed Armando Obispo to head home from a corner with 12 minutes left.

Antonio Colak, who levelled the scores in the first half after Ibrahim Sangare’s opener, played the full 90 minutes. He has now scored four goals in four successive matches.

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Van Bronckhorst was asked if he had considered turning to Morelos, who was among the substitutes as he continues his comeback from injury. “No. Why?” he said. “Well, Colak played fine, he had energy and was very dangerous. For me, that wasn't a point I had to change.

The Ibrox manager praised the Croatian’s industry. "Colak's workrate when we don't have the ball is really good,” he said. “He scored a great goal and I am happy with his performance. In the Champions League, at this stage it's also about when you don't have the ball and he brought great energy.”

Van Bronckhorst has strong belief Rangers can still progress despite the problems in defence that saw them lose two goals from corners. The hosts took the lead for the first time in the tie when Benitez failed to hold Lawrence’s free-kick but they could not hold on with PSV levelling late on

"We got the free-kick from Tom to go 2-1 up but you know, all goals count,” said Van Bronckhorst.

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst during a UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round match between Rangers and PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox.  (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst during a UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round match between Rangers and PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox.  (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst during a UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round match between Rangers and PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

"How you score doesn't matter! In the end, we lost a goal from a set-piece and that was disappointing.

"But the tie is still open and we have the chance to go through next week. Of course we can do it.

"It's the second leg, they play at home and hopefully we can get more space and try to win. We have to do that to get our goal and we will give everything.”

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