Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun has emphasized the importance of staying fully focused on Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Fenerbahçe, despite the looming Old Firm derby against Celtic this weekend.
“It’s a big week with two major fixtures. Obviously, versus Fenerbahçe, that’s one we have to win after such a good result over there. We are going against ‘The Special One’ again, and some very good players. It’s far from over,” Balogun stated.
The former Brighton and Fortuna Düsseldorf centre-back, who once formed a strong Super Eagles defensive partnership with William Troost-Ekong, made it clear that his focus remains solely on Thursday’s Europa League fixture.
“I can only speak for myself. Right now, all I’m thinking about is this next match. The Celtic game is there, and we know what it means, but for now, we have to focus only on getting through to the next round in Europe,” he affirmed.
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Editorial
Balogun’s approach highlights the importance of mental discipline in top-level football. While Rangers have a comfortable first-leg lead, facing a Mourinho led team always presents a tactical challenge.
Balogun acknowledged that while the Scottish Premiership showdown with their city rivals is significant, the more immediate challenge is overcoming Fenerbahçe and their experienced manager, José Mourinho.
Rangers hold a 3-1 first leg advantage, with Cyriel Dessers scoring one of the goals in Istanbul, but Balogun has warned against complacency.
With Cyriel Dessers in good form, and Balogun’s experience in defence, Rangers have the quality to secure qualification, but they must remain fully focused until the final whistle.
Balogun’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that Rangers do not allow distractions from the upcoming Celtic derby to affect their performance against Fenerbahçe.
Did You Know?
- Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers are key Nigerian players in Rangers’ Europa League campaign, with Dessers scoring in the first leg against Fenerbahçe.
- Rangers last won the Europa League in 1972, but they reached the final in 2022, losing to Eintracht Frankfurt.
- José Mourinho has won five major European trophies, including the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Conference League.
- Rangers’ 3-1 win in Turkey was one of their best away results in recent European history, but they must avoid complacency in the return leg.
- Balogun previously formed Nigeria’s famous “Oyibo Wall” partnership with William Troost-Ekong, helping the Super Eagles reach the 2018 World Cup and 2019 AFCON semi-finals.
