Mutu hits out at dour Gers

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu admits he was shocked by the “ugly” football Rangers served up in the first leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final.

Mutu’s long-range strike, saved by Neil Alexander, was one of the very few moments of excitement in the goalless draw at Ibrox.

And the Romanian could not believe that the home side were so intent on defending.

Rangers manager Walter Smith had set out with the main aim of keeping a clean sheet ahead of Thursday’s second leg in Florence.

Former Chelsea striker Mutu said: “Rangers surprised me in Glasgow. We simply didn’t expect a Scottish team to play like that – defending so much.

“We believed that, as the home team, they would try to attack us. But this is obviously their type of football and we have to adapt.

“I’ve never seen a team play like that at home but that is their game, their tactic, their type of football and clearly what they believe in.

“I thought maybe they would want to make more of a spectacle for the fans. But for me, how can I say it? That was one ugly game of football.

“I just hope, for the sake of football, we see a bit more attacking play from them in Florence. Hopefully then, the fans will see the spectacular play they deserve.”