Rangers Borna Barisic has challenged his teammates to prove their quality and their mettle as champions to see off the challenge of high-flying Hibs.
Sunday’s top of the table clash at Ibrox will be a great encounter, but with the backing of a stadium full of Rangers supporters, the home side will be out to reclaim the top spot in the Premiership table, following Hearts victory yesterday.
The Croatian international knows that his team are still playing their way through a tough patch to find form and to flourish – until that point comes, he wants his team mates to stick their chests out and embrace the winning mentality that served them so well last season.
Barisic was speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday:
“Yes of course (we are looking forward to it]). I think it will be a very good game.”
“Hibs have shown this season that they are a very good team. I think that they have showed, even in previous seasons, that they play good football.”
“But this season they have been a little bit even better so it will be a very interesting game.”
“You know, when we became champion last time it’s not easy to stay there.”
“They say it’s easier to climb a mountain than to stay there, but that’s what makes you a champion, right?”
“When you put the standard so high like we did last season in every aspect of our football game then of course expectations are very big.”
“But that’s what makes you a champion and is the difference between someone who can do that for one season or someone who can do it a few seasons in a row, someone who has consistency.”
“That’s the thing we’re trying to find and what we want to achieve this year.”
Challenge
Fine words spoken by Barisic but that needs to be put into action.
He also has a challenge for his own spot due to the emergence and improvement of Calvin Bassey this season.
Individually and collectively, Rangers need to do better and that includes the former Osijek man.
A typical left-foot cross assist or a free kick strike would be most welcome today against Jack Ross’ men.
After a disrupted pre-season following the EURO2020 injury issues for Barisic, he is another who is yet to have a clear run in the team and to find the levels of last season.
A reaction is required and today is the time – “that’s why we’re champions” has to be the loud and clear message come 5pm this evening.