Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah insists that the German giants will treat Rangers with the same amount of respect that they showed Atletico Madrid earlier this season.
Die Werkself spectacularly beat Diego Simeone’s men back in November on their way to finishing third in the Champions League group D, which also included Juventus and Lokomotiv Moscow.
After dropping down to the Europa League, they breezed past Porto in the last 32 to set up a mouth-watering clash with Steven Gerrard’s side.
Rangers host the first leg next Thursday, before the return fixture at the BayArena seven days later.
Tah, a commanding centre-back with nine caps for Germany, has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Atletico. However, the 24-year-old is hoping to get his hands on some continental silverware this season with Leverkusen.
And he said: “If you play in a tournament like the Europa League, I don’t think you’re going to say ‘I just want to get to a semi-final’. We want to make it to the final. I think we have the quality to make it.
“We’re not there yet so of course we have to focus on the first game in Glasgow and then the game against Rangers at home.
“The Atletico result gives us a lot of confidence for those international games. We know that we have the quality to play at the highest level. We’ve got to show that on the pitch.”
Gerrard has described Leverkusen as one the toughest draws that the Light Blues could have got, but the feeling is mutual.
Leverkusen know that the Scots will be formidable opponents as they look to go the whole way in the competition.
Peter Bosz’s side are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, which included two wins over Porto and a victory over Borussia Dortmund.
And even though they are in terrific form as they prepare to face Rangers, Tah said that they are taking nothing for granted.
“We are really excited. I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about the stadium and the feeling when you play there and the atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I think they’re definitely a tough draw for us. It’s not going to be easy to play against them. The first game is in Glasgow so it’s going to be really tough.
“We want to win both games, so we don’t think about whether being away is an advantage. Of course if we score in the away game then the second game, I wouldn’t say it would be easier, but it would be a lot more calm.”
Star man Kai Havertz has been tipped by his manager Bosz to shine at Ibrox next week. The midfielder has been linked with a £100 million summer move to either Liverpool, Manchester United or Bayern Munch, having scored eight goals and set up six in 31 appearances this term.
Tah reckons that his team-mate will become one of the best players in the world.
He said: “Havertz is an amazing player and also an amazing person. That’s why I think he’s going to make it to the top of the world if he keeps on working hard and stay how he is. I think he can go to the very top. I’m convinced he can do that.”
And with speculation about his own future rife in the German media, Tah admitted that he uses a potential money-spinning move as motivation. It would take a bid of £33 million to meet the release clause in his contract.
The 24-year-old added: “I’m happy about that and that my name is connected with some of the clubs. I always want to bring my potential on the field and show what I can do.”
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