Ben Davies suffered his first significant bump in the road of his Rangers journey to date, following the midweek defeat to Napoli in Champions League.
The English central defender will have been disappointed with his contributions to the Italian’s early double which threatened to open the floodgates at the Maradona Stadium but thankfully that storm was weathered. Domestically, he has settled in very well and the defence has looked better with his inclusion in recent weeks, especially with Connor Goldson’s injury, but he is not immune to the overall picture and feeling around Ibrox just now, as he intimated at Friday’s press conference.
Davies fielded a range of questions ahead of the Aberdeen game which comes with real pressure but he stated that he understands fan frustrations with the current form, with the crowd making their feelings known within the stadium:
“Yeah we’re aware of it, we hear it and have got no complaints. We don’t think the performances have been good enough lately but like I say we have the chance tomorrow to put it right and get back on the winning trail.”
A proper display would allay anxiety in the crowd but that has to come with a win, especially with Aberdeen coming to town. His teammates have to rise to the occasion and send out a message but what is the feeling in the dressing room:
“It’s fine but obviously, it could be better. Winning helps that but we’ve got winners in the dressing room, we’re sticking together and ready for tomorrow.”
By now, Davies is getting accustomed to life at Ibrox. Pressure, demands and a need to perform are challenges that face all players at this club but the collective issue is the overriding factor just now.