Crichton on 'huge' Ajax test in Champions League qualifying
· Yahoo Sports
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Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton has been speaking to the media before her side face Ajax in their Women's Champions League qualifier on Saturday.
Here are the main points:
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- Crichton concedes taking on the Dutch side will be a "huge test" as they seek to reach the play-off round.
- Rangers reached the final of the mini-tournament they are hosting by coming from behind to defeat Slavia Prague late on midweek. The head coach believes that comeback proves they are equipped to take on teams at this level and they will "back ourselves", though squad absences make it a harder task.
- Crichton added a win of that nature helps with team bonding, given the number of new faces, saying "nothing bonds a group of players any better than winning games of football".
- She added "the way we handled the game was super impressive for this stage of the season" and they need to try and maintain that against Ajax.
- The former Scotland midfielder admitted the fallback of a Europa Cup qualifying place does take an element of pressure off, although remaining in the Champions League is the priority.
- Crichton also said making European football a mainstay is how to move the club forward and add to their ability to recruit "in a different type of market" with the aim of becoming "a force in European football".
- She expects a "tough game" against Ajax, who have made some "real strong key additions to their team" with a squad that is able to handle the quick turnaround in games. Given that, Crichton plans to add "freshness" to her team.