Mark Warburton not only wants to win at Ibrox on New Years Eve as it will bring Rangers another three points but most of all it would mean the loyal followers are rewarded with a win against bitter rivals Celtic.
Warburton has spoken of his appreciation to the following Rangers continue to get – home and away – and is aware of the importance of this game to the fans. Which is why he’s keen on the side showing a performance capable of claiming the points.
Ahead of the game he’s spoken to the media with his post-match conference quoted by rangers.co.uk.
‘You want to give it to your supporters. The support we receive home and away is magnificent, so we want to win it for them, absolutely. We understand the significance and the importance and the emotions involved in this game, and there is no doubt it will be a pleasure to deliver the type of performance that delivers the three points.’
Expectation levels are very high at Ibrox – they always have been and always will be – which is acknowledged by Warburton. He added the players – who should already know this – have to recognise this too and respond accordingly.
Warburton added the home backing has been magnificent recently and knows this could play a big part on Saturday too.
‘They are a crowd that has been reared on domestic and European success – that`s the nature of our crowd and quite likely so, so the expectation levels are very high. Our players have to recognise it and the staff have to recognise it and respond to it. There is no doubt the crowd can play a huge part in it, and the atmosphere in the last few home games has been magnificent.’
He finished by saying the players – despite the pressure they’ll be under with the expectancy too – need to enjoy the occasion.
‘It`s Ibrox against Celtic, and it`s dealing with that. We have had three sell-out crowds now, and the expectation is there in every single game. So, learn from them. When Celtic are the visitors, yes of course there is an added spice to it, there`s no denying that. It`s now the fourth sell-out crowd in a row – magnificent backing – great to see the stadium full on so many occasions, so what we have to do is enjoy that and enjoy the occasion.’
