The new domestic campaign begins for Rangers this Saturday as they travel to face Livingston on opening day. Giovanni van Bronckhorst has made no fewer than seven additions to his squad in the summer transfer window and fans are eager to see his new-look side in action.
And the wait is almost over as all eyes descend on the Tony Macaroni Arena this weekend with Rangers handed a tough assignment against David Martindale's Livi. Van Bronckhorst could hand competitive debuts to a number of new faces, while others could miss out through injury.
It's the first of two crucial fixtures over the coming days as a Champions League third round qualifier against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise awaits Rangers on Tuesday. But, firstly it's domestic matters that will be on Van Bronckhorst's mind as he prepares his squad for a tilt at wrestling the coveted Premiership title back from rivals Celtic.
Van Bronckhorst spoke to the media ahead of the league opener, here's every word from the Rangers manager's press conference.
Can we have an update on fitness in the squad?
"Well, Kemar (Roofe) is still out, he will not be in the squad tomorrow. Alex (Lowry) is fit to train, he is training with the B team at the moment to get fitness and also some game time.
"Rabbi (Matondo) had his first individual session today, he looks good, for tomorrow it will be short of time and he will join the group on Sunday to prepare for Tuesday’s game. He will not be in the squad."
When will Ridvan Yilmaz join the group?
"Ridvan is travelling towards Glasgow tomorrow. He is clear to play and had a normal pre-season with Besiktas. He will join the group on Sunday as well."
Are there timescales on Fil Helander and Kemar Roofe rejoining the squad?
"No, I don’t have any timeframe for when they will be back. Once I know, I will communicate.
"I think Kemar will be quicker, he is on the pitch so hopefully he will join the sessions as well in the next coming weeks. Filip, we still have to assess in the coming weeks how he will develop."
With the changes you've made, do you feel this is your team as opposed to the one you inherited from Steven Gerrard?
"No - it's always been my team. Once you are the manager of Rangers it's your team.
"Every player I had when I came in November it was my team, because I was responsible. Of course, we had some windows to get players in but each and every player I had, and have now, are my players."
How would you compare the squad to the one that finished last season?
"We have a strong squad, you see the level in training and competition we have for places is really high. That's what you want when you play for a team like Rangers.
"I'm happy with the competition we have now and the quality in depth. I'm happy with the squad we have at the moment."
Is there more expectation in Europe now given the success in recent seasons?
"The expectation is always high. Obviously, when you’re doing really well in the last four years and made the final last year, it's a huge achievement that will bring expectations.
"It’s a new campaign and season, every game in Europe is quite hard. We just have to make sure we’re ready for every game we play. The month of August is very important because we have the possibility to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.
"We have to take it step by step as we did last year and also the previous season It’s a new challenge, a new season and we have to make sure we are well prepared for each game in Europe and, of course, domestically as well."
How big a challenge is it to win the title back from Celtic?
"That’s the most important competition we’re in, we want to be champions of Scotland again. We didn’t last year so we start all over again and we have to make sure we have a good start, that starts tomorrow against Livingston.
"We’ve prepared well and are ready for the challenge we will face. It’s very important to get a good start and get the first three points of the season tomorrow."
When will Alfredo Morelos be ready to play again?
"He is already joining in big parts of the sessions with us. He looks stronger every day when he joins us.
"So, hopefully, we can have him back really quick in the squad to be involved. We named him in the squad for the first ties of the competition. Hopefully, he will get involved really soon."
Will Niko Katic be moving on?
"I spoke with Niko, who was on loan last season. It’s always good for me to work with other players we have under contract so Niko was back this pre-season.
"He is a great person and I spoke with him last week about his future with the club. We agreed it would be nice for Niko to get another club and play elsewhere.
"His future next season will not be at Rangers. He has to find a club where he can play, we will help him with that. Hopefully, he will find a new challenge elsewhere."
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