“We have a few minor problems, but everyone should be able to be available for the match against Rangers,” said Ludogorets head coach Per-Mathias Hogmo at the official press conference ahead of the game at Ibrox. “If you look at their recent matches, they have improved their game. They play very directly. In their last six games they have only wins and have conceded just two goals. For us, it’s important to use our strengths and continue to attack and create chances,” Hogmo added.

“The players love playing in an atmosphere like this. It’s great to play at such a stadium, full of fans. We’re very happy to be in a situation where we have something to fight for. We know we will create chances and we have confidence, but we are facing a good team,” the Norwegian continued.

“Rangers are very strong at set pieces. They have scored eight goals in their last 11 matches. We are aware of this weapon of theirs, but we have played against this type of team before. We can also use these situations—after their set pieces we can organize a counterattack,” Høgmo believes.

“In Turkey we used the opportunity to prepare well. We played good matches, even though we had a short break and little time for preparation.”

Midfielder Petar Stanić also took part in the briefing.

“Our goal is to score goals and advance to the next phase. In every match I have to go in with confidence. Tomorrow a tense match awaits us against a quality team. The road is very long, with many ups and downs,” said the Serbian.

Ludogorets will fly to Scotland tomorrow (20 January) on a charter flight from Antalya to Glasgow. The champions’ plane departs at 4:00 p.m. local time and is expected to land in the Scottish capital at around 5:45 p.m. local time. On Thursday (22 January) at 8:00 p.m. local time (10:00 p.m. Bulgarian time), the “Eagles” will visit Rangers in a match from Round VII of the main phase of the Europa League.

On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., head coach Per-Mathias Hоgmo and Petar Staniц will hold a press conference. Ludogorets’ official training session at Ibrox will take place half an hour later, at 6:00 p.m. local time.

Ludogorets will return to Bulgaria on Friday (23 January) with a flight from Glasgow to Varna. The champions’ charter flight is expected to land at the airport in Bulgaria’s sea capital at around 5:00 p.m.