Can you give us an update on who is available and unavailable for the game?

We came through well after the game at the weekend so we have no new injuries. We still have the squad available which we had also against Motherwell. Of course, the injured players are still injured so no fresh injuries from the last weekend.

How big a decision do you have in the final third with Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe out?

Well, not a big decision. They’re not available so I always watch the opponent and which players we have available and make my plan for the game. We showed on Sunday the players who are still in the team can perform as well so we need a big performance tomorrow. It’s no big decision it’s just make sure you choose the right game plan and players perform well.

Is there any update on Connor Goldson’s contract situation?

There’s no news. We’re working in the last weeks of the season and we are fully focused on performing on the pitch so no new news.

Is everyone available to travel to Germany? There were some suggestions Fashion Sakala couldn’t travel?

No. We are going with a big plane. A lot of players and a lot of staff so he is travelling.

Will the injuries in the forward line make you have to be more defensive?

It depends on the game. Of course, you want to attack and create chances. I think we’ve shown that in all the games we’ve had. Also away from home so it’s just making sure you do the right thing at the right moment. I’m sure we will have moments when we are defending but we have to also wait for moments when we can attack and create dangerous chances to score. It’s the semi-final of the Europa League so the level is high, the level which is needed is also high so we have to prepare well and make sure we get a good result to take back with us to Ibrox next week.

When you see fans already booking flights and hotels for the final, does that tell you how close you are to getting there and add to the excitement of this match?

Of course, it’s exciting. Playing a semi-final is exciting, reaching a final is very exciting but you still have to overcome the semi-final. We’ve watched Leipzig a lot of times, we are preparing well for the game but you feel you are coming close to the final. But in the end, there are still two games to be played and we are playing against a tough opponent but we will do everything we can and give 100% in both legs to be in the final.

As a manager, how does this differ from the times you played in these big games as a player?

Of course, it feels different because you’re a coach and you’re responsible for the team. What I had as a player, I also have as a coach. You just have to concentrate on the preparation of games and you have to block all the media and block all the pressure from outside to win these legs and concentrate on your preparation and your performance. That’s what the players have to do. Make sure we prepare as normal and as soon as the whistle goes, go into and give everything you have on the pitch and make sure you have a good result. In that aspect for me, it’s no different.

The Hungarian defender Orban said Leipzig were physically and mentally exhausted. Is that something you put on the dressing room wall or is it mind games?

No, we just concentrate on our own game. We also played many games in the last weeks so for everyone involved in Europe it’s quite demanding on the squad mentally and physically. That’s for all of us. We have to make sure we are preparing well ourselves and prepare how we want to play against Leipzig. That’s more important than what other teams or players feel.

What is the main threat of Leipzig and 8000 Rangers fans are travelling do you think this will be an important factor?

It’s always a factor when you have a lot of fans travelling with you. We have had that the whole season when we play abroad. The fan base who travel with us is amazing. It’s like playing at home when you are away a little bit.

I think Leipzig is a very strong, attacking team. They have a lot of pace up front with the strikers. It’s a very well organised team as we saw against Atalanta and in the Bundesliga. We have to prepare well because we are going up against a very strong team. Obviously, when you play in a semi-final you are going up against a good team so it’s about preparing well.

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Should your team believe in yourselves now?

Of course, we have belief. If you are still involved now in Europe and in the semi-final and you see the run we have had in this competition it’s very good. The confidence is there but we know we have to perform again and everything we have done in the past doesn’t count. We have to prepare for these two games against Leipzig. I’m very confident in my team and feel we can make chances to reach the final.

What would it mean to you to lead the team to a final?

That’s what you want. I came in during November with my staff, I think we had to start straight away without preparations. I think we both reacted well. Not only my staff but also the players. Of course, we have to do it all together. I’m the manager and I will lead the team but I’m very proud of the players and how they are performing in difficult circumstances against difficult opponents. We are now in the final weeks of the season and we will give everything we can to be successful in Europe and that’s what you want – being involved at this stage and playing big games.