Yesterday, Rangers released interviews with Josh Windass Daniel Candeias as they and the rest of the team undergo pre-season work out in Spain under new manager Steven Gerrard.
It is a theme so far this summer, Gerrard has spoken about the status of the club and how players should ‘feel’ representing us and fitness has been a hot topic as well as the new gaffer ingratiates himself to the faithful.
Following the fitness pattern and Gerrard’s words about him not believing we were at a sufficient level in 2017/18, the interviews with both players are quite telling.
???? Another tough running session on day four of training camp. #GersInSpain pic.twitter.com/DkWv9kPyFi
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 20, 2018
Even if the main tell is that everyone at the club is on the same hymn sheet when it comes to saying the right things ahead of this campaign.
The full interviews can be read by Clicking Here (Windass) and Clicking Here (Candeias).
For the ease of speed, Windass stated that it was the toughest pre-season of his career so far as our former Liverpool and England midfielder gets people up to the required standard.
“It is a really tough, it is really hard with the heat but the lads are enjoying working hard and getting fitter. This is the toughest one I’ve ever had, it is the toughest first day I had ever had in football. The coaching staff are pushing us every single day to get a lot fitter.”
Rightly, Windass went on to say that given all the hard work now, that should have benefits of its own down the line and he restated that even lighter sessions were now tougher than in previous years.
For Candeias, he added ‘I am so tired!’ to the same story.
“It is a hard pre-season but it is good for the players because afterwards you take the results away for the long season. Now is the time to work hard but the players are really enjoying the first few days with the new coaches. Yes, this is the hardest pre-season I have ever had, it is the first I have had where you just run and don’t touch the ball. It is good for the physical resistance for the season coming up. I am so tired!”
Clearly, the media team were working from a plan here with the questions and the way it was angled but that absolutely does not matter one bit if it’s simply a demonstration of the club being together, working to a plan and being ‘on message’ to use a phrase.
If that’s the ethos and attitude behind the scenes then the chances of that becoming true for on the pitch matters is a natural follow-on.
Even if there’s an element of lip service here, if the work is being put in fans will get the reward of that when the campaign kicks off for real and we should notice quite a few improvements.
Good!!! Make them run until their lungs bleed Stevie!! We were unfit and too careless with the ball last season. Make them bE gagging for the ball in such a way that they’ll never want to give it away!! WATP
— Winston J Boat ???????? (@TheboatE3) June 20, 2018
A massive season for Rangers and Windass. Gerrard could be the making of him. The step up in performance required from season 2-3 is greater than 1-2. Let’s hope he makes it.
— DM (@bathgateranger) June 20, 2018
About time. Too long they have had it too easy. Fitness is key in pre season. A real workout is what they needed.
— S Nocher (@snocher101) June 20, 2018
Sounds like this pre-season has been a wake up call for our players so far and about time too!! Too many players not earning their wages and playing for the club the way they should but glad to see that’s no longer going to be tolerated and long may it continue!!
— Gary Bennet (@bennito83) June 20, 2018
Brilliant. Fitness was lacking and Stevie G knows what's needed to be in peak condition
— Gary Hughes (@gazhug1985) June 20, 2018
The following tweet for all it’s simplicity featured 21 times from different fans as if to prove the point.
Good
— Ross Brown ????????. (@RossBrown25) June 20, 2018