Slavia Prague coach expects no Rangers hangover from weekend celebrations

Slavia Prague boss Jindrich Trpisovsky believes Rangers will have their game face back on when the sides meet in the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg.
Jindrich Trpisovsky, Manager of Slavia Praha (Photo by Sascha Steinbach - Pool/Getty Images)Jindrich Trpisovsky, Manager of Slavia Praha (Photo by Sascha Steinbach - Pool/Getty Images)
Jindrich Trpisovsky, Manager of Slavia Praha (Photo by Sascha Steinbach - Pool/Getty Images)

A win over St Mirren and subsequent confirmation of their Scottish Premiership title after an unbeaten league season saw a weekend of celebrations from Steven Gerrard and his players – but it’s back to business in Prague on Thursday night.

Slavia are leading their own domestic division and are similarly undefeated and boss Trpisovsky believes extending the form will be at the forefront for the Sinorbo Stadium’s visitors – not the weekend’s party.

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"The celebrations are gone already. We experienced the same thing two years ago when we got the title on the Sunday and two days later we played a very important match.

"They are professionals, they want to succeed and I believe they will focus on the next match. It's a great achievement, it will only be motivation for them," he said.

Trpisovsky is an admirer of Liverpool, and Steven Gerrard, but has got the inside track on his touchline opponent from a former team-mate.

He added: "I have learned a lot from Milan Baros who remembers him as a strong leader and good mentor on and off the pitch.

"He is one of the key players of my youth, I have seen many matches he played. So it is going to be a great encounter for me because I never dreamt of meeting him in person."

Rangers have never faced Slavia, but have played Czech opposition three times – but have yet to score in the country, and have been eliminated on each occasion.

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