Rangers vs Fenerbahce: Ex-Real Madrid coach names Dessers as key threat in Europa League fixture

Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho has identified Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers as a major threat ahead of their Europa League clash against Rangers at Ibrox, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Turkish giants fell to a 3-1 loss at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in the first leg of the encounter where the Super Eagles star opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the game, before Vaclav Cerny added a brace to punish Mourinho’s troops.

The Nigeria international is expected to continue from where he left off as they eye a quarterfinal ticket where they would face the winner of AS Roma vs Atletico Bilbao clash.

Mourinho wary of Rangers’ Dessers

Mourinho has acknowledged the dangers posed by Rangers ahead of their crucial Europa League fixture at Ibrox.

Speaking at a press conference, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea coach admitted that his side must be wary of counterattacking threats from key players like Cyriel Dessers and Václav Černý.

“We are ready for football. We expect Rangers to play the same way. They will expect us to make mistakes, players like Černý and Dessers will go on counterattacks,” Mourinho said vs Fenerbahce’s club website. “Will Ferguson decide to play differently? Will they score the first goal beforehand? I don’t know. If we gain the upper hand and defend strongly, the home team will try to press.”

Cyriel Dessers celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 match between Fenerbahce SK and Rangers FC at Ulker Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on March 6, 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Fenerbahçe boss confident of progressing

Despite the challenge ahead, Mourinho remains optimistic about his team’s chances of advancing to the next round of the tournament.

Jose Mourinho [Photo credit/Imago]

The former Roma coach revealed that Fenerbahçe have worked on both different strategies in preparation for the match.

“The only thing I want from my players is to believe. I say to my players, ‘Come here tomorrow, and we will get through this round.’ Of course, we will come and give it a chance,” he added.

Dessers alongside Leon Balogun will reunite with Bright Osayi-Samuel who is returning from suspension to help the Yellow Canaries revive their Europa League title hope.