Tomas Soucek has revealed he wants to face Rangers in the last sixteen of the Europa League.
West Ham breezed through the group stage of the competition where they topped their group, losing only one game. And the Hammers will learn who they will face after this Thursday’s draw, which takes place after the conclusion of the playoff rounds.
And, with Napoli and Barcelona both possibilities, the Czech midfielder has identified the Scottish side as his ideal opponent.
Speaking to the West Ham website, Soucek said: “I’ve thought about a few teams I would like to play against.’
‘If I could say one, it would be Rangers, because I want to play against them as a big rival.’
‘It would be a really exciting game for the fans and also for us. It could be a really good game for teams from England against Scotland, big rivals!”
When Rangers were drawn against Borussia Dortmund in the playoff rounds, many saw it as a foregone conclusion. But football fans across the world were shocked to see the Glaswegian side run out 4-2 winners in Germany. The magic of the cup. Rangers fans will be even more optimistic about finishing the job after reports that Erling Haaland misses out once again through injury [Glasgow Live].
Soucek himself will be keeping an eye on the results this Thursday.
He said: “I’m looking forward to the draw, because I’ve been watching the games in the round before us. Teams still have their second legs on Thursday, so I’ll watch them, and also I will watch the draw if it’s possible.’
‘Everyone we could draw at this stage of the competition will be difficult to face because they have had to win many games to go through. Let’s see – I look forward to it!”