What do you make of Rangers as an opponent?

They lost six matches in Europe but you have to look at how they lost, who did they beat? They eliminated Dortmund which tells us it all. We are aware of their qualities, they’re physically strong and always match their opponents. They’re similar to Union Berlin, man-orientated, very strong, strong on the wings, they have great individuals. For example, Ryan Kent really sticks out.

What differences are there between Union Berlin and Rangers?

The difference is that Rangers always try to play between the lines while Berlin always try to play vertically. I think this could be different, Rangers are able to switch positions. We will see on squad options, we haven’t decided what we will do [due to suspensions]. We may just replace defenders or perhaps play in a back four because it would make sense given the players at our disposal.

What have you made of Rangers performance to this stage?

I was surprised because they won 4-2 in Dortmund but at one point in that game, it was 3-0. They played really strong. I was very surprised. Now having seen them a few times, against Braga, Dortmund and Red Star and also against Celtic, there is no surprise because they have a good squad and coach, they’re well organised. Ross Wilson has made clever transfers, there is no surprise for us.

How do you assess Rangers’ threat without Morelos and Roofe?

It’s a semi-final, If you achieve this target you can be sure that you are a strong team. We know that Roofe will miss the game, they can play Aribo as a No.10, he is strong in the half-spaces, and they also have Fashion JR. They have strong players with a lot of speed. Any player that plays in the forward areas for them is strong.

Have you spoken to Dortmund coach Marco Rose about the defeat?

No. But I watched the game, of course, it’s always good to be focused on our game. Marco has one squad and we have another, it can be a different outcome, we hope!

What has your assistant Andreas Hinkel, told you about Scottish football?

He has been telling me about the Old Firm for years! For the return leg, we will travel one day early to Glasgow so I have a chance to walk through the city and look at it.

How do you reflect on a recent 2-1 defeat against Union Berlin?

We played 15 without losing before that game, this is not normal when we look at where we came from. I always try to emphasise, where do we come from and what have we achieved so far? We’ve had a lot of highlights since I arrived. For example, you don’t win so often 4-1 in Dortmund, to win in Atalanta is not normal either, then we win a cup semi-final. At this stage, we can tolerate a match in which we haven’t performed. If you lose you must accept it and learn your lessons. Maybe this defeat comes at the right time before a crunch three weeks.

Is it a risk to play with a back four given you usually play a back three?

On the back four? You need to be able to play in a back four. It’s not a risk because our players know how to do it. There are differences of course in comparison to a back five or three, but these are small things.

Are you worried about the mental implications of the Union defeat?

No, I’m not worried at all, it’s a privilege to play so many games. We want to reach the finals, it will be difficult and on Thursday it won’t be decided, it will be decided in Glasgow as per a typical semi-final. You can let players have a match like that [the Union defeat], it was just not good, we weren’t aggressive enough.

What do you make of the travelling Rangers support?

Firstly, we are happy that a lot of fans will be in the city because it’s good tourism for the economy! I’m still staying in a hotel in Leipzig where 200 Rangers fans will stay, so I’m moving to the academy for two days! Playing at home with a good atmosphere is the best.