Walter Smith is something of a legendary manager at Glasgow Rangers. He worked at the club during its most successful period between 1986 and 1998 before heading down south to England to gain further experience. Last year Smith returned ‘Home’ to take over at Rangers for a second stint.
Mr.Smith, you could win a total of four titles this season...
Walter Smith: “My goal at the beginning of the season was to put up a stronger challenge to our rivals Celtic as we have in recent years. With that as motivation, we have worked very hard and achieved our target. We are now in the Scottish League Cup final and have reached the last sixteen of the Scottish Cup and the UEFA Cup. In addition we are top of the league table. Under those circumstances, we want to achieve the best possible result in all competitions.”
Which title is the most valuable for you?
Walter Smith: “There is no doubt that the league championship is number one for the team and the fans. As I said, at the beginning of the season we just wanted to play better football but when you find yourself at the top, you want to stay there.”
Teams wearing green and white are not particularly welcome at Ibrox Park, as those are the colours of your arch rivals Celtic. Should the Werder players and fans expect a tense atmosphere?
Walter Smith: “Everyone is well aware of our rivalry with Celtic but the colours are not an issue. We had Panathinaikos Athens here in the last round in green and white and we were faced with the same questions. At the end of the day, it was all very fair and the only rivalry we saw was on the pitch.”
Still, Ibrox Park does possess a very special flair...
Walter Smith: “Absolutely!! And European nights are particularly special. I’m quite sure the Werder Bremen fans will enjoy the evening’s football too.”