Borna Barisic insists the gap to Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership is not insurmountable as the World Cup-bound Croatia full back says “everything can change” with three derby games still to play this season.
Rangers trail their fierce rivals by seven points ahead of Saturday’s trip to St Mirren before the top flight shuts down for a month for Qatar 2022. Barisic set up Malik Tillman’s winner against Hearts at Ibrox on Wednesday which ensured the current champions didn’t extend their lead even further.
But asked about the gap, Barisic said: “Too big? Nothing is too big. We have seen a lot of things, and everything can change in just a few games. So, I don’t think it’s too big. It’s not small, of course. We cannot go from that. But it’s not that big and I don’t think we need to say now, I don’t know, we are second and that’s it.
“That can change in two or three games. We play against them like three times more, right? Everything can change. This World Cup break will be good for us because players will come back and it will much easier to play having a bigger and deeper squad.”
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been under intense pressure but Barisic was happy to beat the Jambos to ease that a little and said the manner of the performance was irrelevant after the defeat to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park which saw chants for the boss to go.
Barisic said: “Of course, we are always behind the manager. We will always fight for the club, for the manager, for the win, for three points. The most important thing was three points. We knew how we finished the last game against St Johnstone. We know our situation, that we are not in the best moment now.
“It was not the prettiest game for us, but when things are not going the best you need to fight and sometimes make it a little bit ugly, also. In the end, I think we deserved the points. I’m happy because I assist, of course. But I’m happier to help the team win three points, that’s the most important thing. It gives me confidence to assist but the team is the most important.”
Ryan Kent has come in for criticism this season but produced a dazzling bit of display in the build up to the winner and Barisic said: “Ryan is a great player. He showed that a lot of times here. You need to have consistency here, but we cannot forget what he did for the club and I think he’s a really great player. It’s not always easy to play on the highest level but I think he’s very, very important for us.
“He has shown that a lot of times. He is very dangerous and I like to play with him. I’ve been here a long time, I know the expectation of the club. Since I’ve been here, I’ve had big ups and downs. Not me personally, but the club.
“Now there is a situation that is not the best. We are not in the best moment and we need to understand that. The players who are not here for so long, who maybe don’t understand, we spoke about that with them. Of course, we talk in the dressing room. We know that what we can do now is fight in every game. Maybe this is not the prettiest football from us. Of course, we don’t enjoy in that, the fans also. But three points today was the most important thing and that’s the way we need to look forward.”
Barisic will join up with his International team-mates after Paisley for games against Belgium, Morocco and Canada in the Middle East and the 30-year-old said: “It’s one of the biggest dreams. What can I say? Because it’s the World Cup. You are representing your country, your family.
“That dream has come true, you know? Also, I’m very thankful to Rangers because they gave me the opportunity that if I play well here, I can be called for the national team. I want to thank the staff, players and everyone around the club because they are a big part of this. And I will represent Rangers also, so I’m very happy and proud.”
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