Rangers winger Oliver Antman has opened up on his difficult first season at Ibrox and admits he was 'beaten to the ground' if he made a mistake.
The Finnish international moved from the Netherlands a year ago in a £3.5 million deal and was hyped as a major signing. But the 24-year-old made just eight league starts and scored only once in an underwhelming, injury-hit first campaign.
However, Antman is determined to make up for lost time under Derek McInnes because he now knows what it takes to play for Rangers. He said: "Last season was quite a disappointment in every way, personally and as a team.
"Rangers' goal is to win everything we are involved in, the league and the cups. Finishing third is unacceptable at this club. Rangers are an absolutely massive club. It's really hard to put into words how big a club it is. Every time I meet Rangers supporters, they say that this is the best club in the world when we are successful.
Read more
-
The Bill Struth story that chronicles what Derek McInnes really needs to succeed
-
Derek McInnes interview: Benefits of Spain, weight of role, backroom staff thinking
-
Partizan boss confirms Vanja Dragojevic exit as Rangers close in on deal
"Of course, the downside is that when things are not going well, this can be a really difficult place to be. I have a little experience with that already. This is, of course, a shame. No matter where you walk in the city, someone will recognise you, and you have to be ready to talk to everyone. It shows how great it can be if things go well.
"But sometimes it feels like if you make one mistake or lose the ball, you'll be beaten to the ground. When you play here, you really feel the pressure."
And Antman, in an interview in his homeland, believes he can thrive this season. He said: "Rangers spent money on me - there is no pressure for that. But there are 50,000 really passionate fans at every home game, so there is a certain pressure from that.
"This is different from what I am used to in Denmark and the Netherlands. Rangers is definitely an environment where I can develop. I've never played for such a big club before. Everything is more hands-on.
"You learn from every coach, but the biggest thing is being at this club."