Gio van Bronckhorst is determined to win back disillusioned Rangers fans by putting on a performance from minute one against Aberdeen on Saturday.
Gers' displays have been underwhelming in recent weeks as they fell to four points behind Celtic by drawing with Livingston last weekend before their latest Champions League thumping against Napoli. It means the pressure is mounting on Van Bronckhorst but the typically laid-back boss shrugged off any suggestion that he's feeling the heat and says he's yet to have any conversation with the Ibrox board about his future.
The Dutchman, who revealed Kemar Roofe has been dealt another injury setback, also said his mounting injury list may well determine whether they bring in any new faces in January. He insists the first priority is getting everyone fit - although refused to rule out any incoming business once the window opens.
Here is everything the Ibrox boss had to say.
How important is it not only to win but to put on a performance at Ibrox?
"It’s very important. Of course, after the dropped points last week at home against Livingston, we need to win this game and the most important thing is to get the three points. Of course, you always want a positive result with a positive display so that’s what we’re going to try to do tomorrow."
Have the performance against Livingston and recent results added more pressure to the team and yourself?
"Last week, we didn’t start well, conceded an early goal and after that we were dominating. We had many crosses but, in the end, we only scored after they had a sending off and we also had a big chance to win the game. In the end with all the possession we had in their box we didn’t make too many big chances to score."
How key is patience going to be and how much do you need the fans backing?
"As I said before, it’s the way we start. We have to start positive, on the front foot and that will also get the reaction from the fans. That’s a normal dynamic you have in the games and you don’t want to start the way we started last week because then the fans will be almost against you.
"They’re not agreeing with what’s happening on the pitch so that’s why we have to start well, organised with energy, creating chances, positive thinking forwards and be aggressive. That’s how we need to start tomorrow.
What do you think has gone wrong in the last few weeks?
"I think it’s not only one thing, every game is different. Last week, we conceded a goal within five minutes which made it difficult after that although we had the ball a lot, we didn’t create any big chances. In that game last week we need to improve that and, of course, in Champions League it’s different.
"I think last Wednesday we conceded two early goals but we reacted really well with our character and tried to get back into the game, creating chances. I think it was the most chances we created in the Champions League so far but, in the end, couldn’t get the goal to get us back in the game and we conceded a late set piece. So every game is different but tomorrow is another opportunity to start well and get the three points. "
You have spoken about the financial gulf in Europe - but doesn't that also apply in Scotland, with Aberdeen’s budget probably 15 to 20 per cent of Rangers?
"You’re right but it’s not always the case. In the Champions League, we competed well against the big teams in spells of the games but overall the players are of a higher quality. If you see the squad we have, we have a lot of players who are not even used to playing two times a week so that’s also a factor we have to take into account.
"Of course, we need to win tomorrow. We are playing at home, the difference in budget, normally you win this game but normally doesn’t happen always in football.
"Last year, we drew away early in the season and when I arrived we were 2-0 behind at home and eventually drew 2-2 and the home game we had after that we scored in the last 10 minutes of the game so it’s always quite even games. We are here tomorrow to win this game, that’s what we want to do and that’s what we need."
Any new players coming in in January?
"As I said before, we are missing a lot of players now who are injured. Hopefully, we can welcome some injured players back by the time the window opens. We have to be ready for whatever happens but it also depends on how many players we have back from injury."
How do you boost morale between European and domestic games?
"It’s difficult because as I’ve said many times before, we know the difference in level and we know the competition we are facing but a loss is still a loss. That’s something we’ve had that feeling five times now in this competition and we have to react now, also after the dropped points last week.
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"But the players are ready for it. It’s a short two days in between, we had a long trip home yesterday so the most important thing is we are mentally fresh tomorrow and I think we are.
Injury update?
"We are okay. We have all players available who were also available in the game against Napoli so that’s good. We have Charlie McCann able to come into the squad again because he’s not in the European squad and Kemar (Roofe) also wasn’t involved on Wednesday but he picked up another injury so we won’t have him for a couple of weeks. It’s the same area but a different injury."
How frustrating is it that Kemar is injured again?
"First, it’s very frustrating for Kemar. He has a history of injuries from the moment he came to this club, not only with me but also previously. I’m mostly frustrated for Kemar himself because he works hard and he’s trying every time to come back and whenever he’s back it’s always a setback within a couple of weeks and that’s very frustrating for him."
Why aren't your players as fit as last season and what do you put that down to?
"We didn’t change any training. We are still in a very hectic schedule. The Champions League schedule is more intensive than when we were in the Europa League because of the days. We have already had a couple of weeks where we’ve only had a couple of days in between to rest and in Europe it’s three or four so that makes it quite hectic.
"Also the dense programme because of the World Cup I think is influencing a lot. Look everywhere in Europe, there are so many games more than we used to so it’s also a demanding schedule. We just have to keep continuing, we have a lot of injuries with impact instead of muscle so that’s also a difference. It’s a tough schedule for all of us but we have to keep going."
What does the World Cup break mean for you and the players on the training ground?
"We are going to use it firstly to recover from the hectic schedule and second we have more time on the training pitch which is good. We can put more time into our tactics and it also it gives us five weeks extra to hopefully get some players back."
How have you found the scrutiny personally over the last couple of weeks?
"It’s something I always felt throughout my career, the pressure to perform. The pressure to reach your standard in every game. I had it as a player and I have it the same as a coach. Of course, you feel the pressure but the most pressure I feel is the pressure I put myself under and that’s something I’m used to and gives me strength and energy to keep going forward."
James Tavernier came out after the Napoli game and said the whole dressing room is behind you. Have you had similar assurances from the board?
"No. Of course, I have discussions with the board and with Ross but my future and my position at the moment was never discussed."
Yilmaz impressed in Italy, is he someone who merits a run in the team?
"I said already before the difference between his performance and his levels is much better than when we came. It’s there for all of us to see, especially for me. It’s good that he’s at the level we need and he performed well in the games he played in the last couple of weeks. I’m really happy with the moment he’s in and the contribution he gives to the team."
Aberdeen are making noises that you’re vulnerable and want to turn the crowd against you. Do you have a message for them?
"I prepare my team. The message is for us is how to play the game. That’s the only message we have to send to our opponents. Of course, they will prepare for the game in their own perspective.
"My own perspective is that we are ready for tomorrow and will have a good performance to get the three points. I’m sure the crowd will be behind us from the first minute and that’s what we need at the moment. We are stronger together and it’s also influenced by our performances but I’m confident tomorrow will be a positive day for all of us."
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