The Czech Encounter: Rangers set for battle with Prague’s finest
Trips to Prague often involve headaches, and this year Scots were vastly underrepresented in the city that so many love. However, Celtic ensured that we didn’t fall short on the quota of Scottish parties embarrassing themselves at night in the Czech capital. The often ill-fated yet eternally loved pilgrimage to the heart of Europe shouldn't see Rangers returning to Scotland with their tail between their legs like so many of our countrymen. However, Slavia Prague should prove hardened opponents that will not afford Ranger’s many mistakes if we want to extend our Europen trip, albeit from our sofas. Rangers rightly can be confident heading into this round of 16 ties. Evading the big hitters should be seen as a positive; however, what Slavia lack in glamour and fame they make up for in form and metal. The team won't, but as fans, we shouldn't get drunk drinking in all the praise and fail to realise the challenge Slavia pose. The Czech’s currently sit top of the Fortuna Liga and, much like Rangers, are yet to lose a game, though only 21 games in. Similarities continue when comparing the two domestic seasons; a well-oiled attack and imperious defence have seen both team notch goal differences that most could only dream of. Jindrich Trpisovsky recently reached 150 games as Slavia manager, a feat that Gerrard recently posted with Rangers. In just over four years, Trpisovsky has developed a clear culture, style, and pathway to world football’s upper echelons. This game can be billed in a multitude of ways, a duel between two emerging managers, a test of two of European football elites; however, I would look at it no further than the two best clubs outside the top ten leagues doing battle for a spot in the UEL’s quarter-finals, and a big-money matchup against a modern-day powerhouse.
Czech Republic’s standing within Europe’s footballing food chains compares similarly to Scotland’s; however, a recent surge due to Rangers recent exploits has resulted in Scotland sitting slightly higher. Regardless, the starting point for both’s leagues respective champions is the same, as both share the long and arduous prospects of an extended UCL qualification campaign. Slavia has flirted with the UCL over the past few years, with a recent group stage appearance in the 2018/19 season, which saw Slavia accumulate only two points, albeit in that campaign’s “group of death.” The current campaign, much like our own, has bettered any pre-season expectations. The prospects of an unbeaten season and an unexpected charge to European silverware increasingly realistic. I talked with Jonathan Davies, a coach in the Slavia youth ranks, who appropriately described the fervent around Prague as being filled with “excitement and trepidation.” Without going into too much detail, what is apparent is that the emotive response to the draw in Prague is reminiscent of the goings-on in Glasgow. Both teams are quietly and rightfully confident of progressing to the quarter-finals, as consistent domestic and continental performances place both clubs in enviable positions.
Their European campaign so far
Slavia started and ended their UCL campaign in familiar surroundings for many members of Rangers home and away support. A high-scoring affair in Midtjylland, Rangers have had one of those! For Slavia, those words are less welcomed; a 4–1 defeat in Denmark coupled with a 0–0 draw in Prague saw Slavia stumble at their first hurdle and ultimately the final hurdle for qualification the UCL playoff. Due to the overlapping nature of UEFA’s multiple competitions, Slavia saw their name enter a small plastic ball in Nyon, waiting to be drawn at the UEL group stage. A group with familiar faces for many of us saw Slavia draw Bayer Leverkusen, OGC Nice, and Hapoel Be’er Sheva. What appeared to be a tricky negotiation on face value ended up being a relatively seamless affair. Home wins against all their competitors coupled with an away win in France saw Slavia comfortably secure their name in the knockout stage, finishing 2nd on 12 points.
An awkward tie faced Slavia in the R32, a faceoff against Leicester City. Seemingly overmatched and written off, Slavia managed to defy the majority and saw themselves over the line with an impressive 2–0 win at the King Power Stadium and an attritional 0–0 draw in Prague. That is the story up to now; Slavia has done well to get to this point after bypassing several “bigger” clubs. Confidence from rolling over the foxes has put Slavia and their fans in a position of optimism regarding this tie; however, they know well from the opposition that underestimating a dangerous opponent should come at your own peril.
Slavia’s style
Coincidentally, the similarities between the two clubs run further than their domestic form. Both Slavia and Rangers share stylistic similarities and follow a few dogmatic principles. Slavia are very fit. From one to eleven on the pitch, each player is expected to maintain demanding physical expectations, not too different from the expectation at Ibrox. This fitness transforms into a relentless whistle-to-whistle press, attempting to make the opponent uncomfortable and suffocate play in appropriate areas. Slavia usually set up out of possession in a 4–2–3–1 or 4–1–4–1, which assists the high press they deploy. The single striker acts as a harrier pressuring the goalkeeper and two opposition centre-backs, with a line of three or four dependent on the set up as a supporting press. This second layer attempts to cover/suffocate opposition wingbacks and defensive midfielders, attempting to limit opportunities to play around the back. Behind them, it’s usually one or a duo of sitting midfielders dependent on the selected formation. They act as the linchpin between defence and attack, occupying the space in which the oppositions primary central creator is in, attempting to win headers and disrupt play. Behind them, its the back four who usually press high like many European teams, which often leaves them slightly exposed; however, its an exercise of risk vs reward. During long spells of opposition possession, often one of the wide-men will drop back and create a five in defence. The photo below shows Abdallah Sima assuming the RWB position. The opposite winger, often Peter Olayinka, mirrors this.
In terms of pressing, Slavia enjoys pressing high and wide, attempting to trap the opposition in their corners. An aggressive and ambitious press sees Slavia employ a layered approach that involves a majority of the team. When it goes right, Slavia win possession with lots of personnel in advanced positions. When wrong, they leave a massive gaping hole in the centre of the pitch, allowing an open avenue into their half for opposition attacks. Rangers should be accustomed to this style of play; it almost mirrors Rangers' expectations, so the backroom staff would know the ins and outs and the potential downfalls. Leicester failed to match the tempo of the Czechs; this the main factor in their eventual collapse. Rangers midfield three, for the most part, is press-resistant; Kamara, Davis, Jack, and Aribo all have the skill to break a press either through a pass or a dribble. However, this would require the midfield three to be switched on and ready to do battle, as if they are not, Slavia will win the midfield battle, and we will be forced into long and direct football, a game we don’t want to play.
Offensively, Slavia practice pragmatism. Which Slavia will turn up is mostly down to the opposition. Slavia can dominate play and create an abundance of chances. A mix of impressive creators, willing runners, and classy finishers means that Slavia can and will put up goals. In terms of offensive build-up, Slavia utilises their progressive fullbacks and holding midfielder. Their fullbacks will push up into advanced positions whilst the holding midfielder; usually, Hromada, will assist the two centre-backs in manufacturing space and finding passes. Like Rangers, some of Slavia’s attacker will also drop deep to receive and then attempt to take on the opposition directly, either through dribbling or passes. Rangers are steadfast in their approach, limiting any stylistic change regardless of opponent, Slavia the opposite. When on paper overmatched, Slavia can play a game more reminiscent of atricious warfare than football. This is best seen in the two draws in their most recent UCL campaign and their 2018–19 UEL tie against Sevilla. It’s unlikely that we see this incarnation of Slavia throughout the two ties; they might emerge if they bring a lead to Glasgow; however, Slavia will believe in their modus operandi, preferring not to defer to their aggressive backup tactic. Trpisovsky is a smart coach, and what he lacks in name-value he provides in tactical ability. Depending on goings-on, it is more than likely that we will see tinkering and transition in both formation and style from Slavia to whatever Trpisovsky sees best.
Players to watch
Slavia’s safety net: Ondrej Kolar
Kolar is very much the team’s heart and soul; however, he also provides exploits beyond his leadership. The 2019–20 player of the season and one-time Czech international is a skilled goalie and a real asset to this Slavia squad. Kolar, much like McGregor has done most of his great work this season domestically, with his UEL campaign so far somewhat underwhelming. The keeper’s greatest attribute is his distribution. He is calm under the ball and, more times than not picks out a good pass. Used extensively in their build-up play, expect Kolar to have the ball at this feet for an extensive amount of time during this tie. With no glaring weaknesses, Morelos and co will have to be on top form to force Kolar to pick a ball out of his net. However, this year and last, goalkeeping heroics have seldom halted Rangers progress. Matheus from Braga and Standard’s Bodart put in stellar individual performances, yet their team could not come out as winners. Expect Kolar to influence the tie; however, his exploits should hopefully be matched out by our own mad keeper.
The red and white’s new recruit: Alexander Bah
I really like Alexander Bah, whether it be my fondness of him on Football Manager or how I looked to him as a potential Tavernier replacement before making his move to Prague. Regardless, Slavia has a young, talented, and dynamic fullback on their boos with the Dane. Bah recently arrived in Prague from Danish Superliga outfit Sonderjyske. He started at the Danish club as a right-winger; however, he was pushed back the pitch to right-back, an increasingly popular career path for modern elite fullbacks. A great work ethic, stamina, tackling, and technical ability will make Bah a problematic proposition for all Rangers squad members. He did a great job against Harvey Barnes in the previous round, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise if he does well against whoever plays on the wing for Rangers. That being said, Ryan Kent, who is most likely to play out on the left, has tormented defenders across Europe this season. This should be a key battle that could go a long way in deciding who sees themselves in the next round.
Slavia’s Super Eagle: Peter Olayinka
Progressive midfielder, long dreads, Nigerian, Lanky, somehow I am not describing Joe Aribo, rather his international teammate and Slavia winger, Peter Olayinka. Stylistically the two slightly differ. Olayinka often occupies spaces far further up the pitch and is more directly involved in finishing goalscoring chances. A more muscular frame also allows Olayinka to be more successful on the physical side, skilled in the art of holding up the ball and releasing to incoming runners. Olyakina will play off the left of either the 4–2–3–1 or 4–1–4–1, Slavia will most likely use. With the front line of Slavia relatively fluid, expect Olayinka to be involved around the box. If Tavernier has any part to play over the two legs, he should somewhat nullify Olayinka. I fear that if Patterson plays both legs, Olayinka will physically dominate the youngster; however, Patterson could surprise me, as he did to so many of us against Antwerp.
The Deadly Duo: Abdallah Sima and Jan Kuchta
Slavia’s star boy and his underappreciated sidekick. Abdallah Sima and Jan Kuchta have both notched over 19 goal involvements so far in the season. Sima usually starts on the right, whilst Kuchta is the lone forward; however, dynamic interchange often sees them occupy different areas throughout the 90. Sima attracts all the headlines, rumours of £40+ million bids surround the teenager, and it’s easy to see why. Equally adept at scoring whilst the ball is on the ground or in the air, Sima is a natural goalscorer. In the air is where he has done a lot of his good work; this UEL, Goldson, Helander, and Balogun have to be up to the task, as if not, Sima will more than likely find the back of the net with his head. The pair are both good finishers and willing runners, key architects of the Slavia press. Sima, who has excellent pace, will be the more dangerous of the two, especially if he can get in behind. Regardless, attention should be placed on Kuchta as well, as up to now, he has come close to matching the impressive exploits of Sima. Slavia has to contend with the dynamic attack of Rangers, which is no small feat. Expect Sima and Kuchta’s and their opposites at Rangers to have a hand in deciding who goes through.
Slavia’s System
Formations used, broken down by minutes and net xG, 2020–21 All Competitions
3–4–1–2: 195 minutes (+1.87)
4–1–4–1: 1166 minutes (+11.09)
4–2–3–1: 691 minutes (+2.82)
4–3–1–2: 58 minutes (-0.72)
4–3–2–1: 83 minutes (+0.6)
4–3–3: 418 (+8.55)
4–4–1–1: 96 minutes (+1.48)
4–5–1: 93 minutes (+3.9)
The two predominant tactics deployed by Trpisovsky and co are structurally and stylistically very similar. The vast majority of Slavia’s competitive football has been spent in either a 4–2–3–1 or 4–1–4–1. Both allow for freedom for their fullbacks, a structured press and defensive setup, and, for the most part, avoiding midfield numerical inferiority. Sima and Kuchta often exchange positions throughout the 90, much like the forward line at Rangers. Predicting the Slavia back four is a relatively simple task; there is only one real area of debate. Kolar is a guarantee to be in the net; Boril baring injury will start on the left, with a slight possibility of Oscar Dorley staring; however, he is more likely a backup option covering LB and CM. According to Jonathan, David Zima emerged this season as the premier Czech defensive talent, a stick-on to start, and now to watch. The second centre-back is the only area of contention; Kudela has filled this area for most of the UEL; however, Simon Deli, a once Rangers target, has played there, though he is left-footed. The right-back should be Alexandre Bah, who seriously impressed against Leicester. Beyond the back four, there are few guarantees in terms of who will start. Abdallah Sima is the name all over the news, and the young forward has taken to life in Prague like a duck to water and will start against Rangers unless something unexpected occurs. Jan Kuchta as well has proved prolific this season and is expected to start up top. On the left, Peter Olayinka is who I would expect to start and has become a vital cog for Slavia. The three in midfield, regardless of formation, will be a toss-up. Traore, Hromada, Stanciu, Provod, Sevick, and Lingr all have played a role this season. It’s most likely system dependent; however, I would be surprised to see if one or both of Stanciu or Hromada is omitted upon the starting eleven announcement. Jonathan sees Stanciu as Slavia’s midfield architect and a serious threat from set-pieces. With under a week to go, it would be unlikely and unfortunate if any Slavia player were to be injured between now and kick-off.
Predicted Slavia 11s: 4–2–3–1 and 4–1–4–1
Prediction
This undoubtedly will be a very tight affair, and this should have been evident upon the draw. Slavia has been imperious domestic form, and in the UEL, have put out teams with budgets that far exceed their own. This is reflected across the board at bookmakers and prediction models. A few key positional battles will determine who finds themselves in the round of 16. With two inform of frontlines and goalkeepers who have struggled in Europe this season, though it may not match Antwerp’s thrills, I do expect this tie to have goals. Whoever comes out on top over tie will face an uphill battle in the Quarter-final, being the elephant in the room amongst bankrolled superclubs.
