Fans of Rangers set off smoke flares in the stands during the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final match between Motherwell and Rangers at Hampden Park on…Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Rangers star’s interview hits home with fans as some demand ‘make him captain’
Playing for Rangers comes with a unique set of demands and some players get it, some don’t.
In recent years there have been more falling into the latter camp than before but there are still some who take to it.
Whether that is instantly or it takes them time to adapt, there are the ones fans just get good vibes from.
Being at Rangers is about winning and those who are there to coast are quickly found out.
Philippe Clement in Ianis Hagi snub with latest Rangers decisions
Leon Balogun of Rangers during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Rangers FC and Fotbal Club FCSB at Ibrox Stadium on Oc…
Leon Balogun speaks on Rangers demands
One man who definitely seems to ‘get it’ is Leon Balogun. It was evident in his first spell and still is in his second.
The Nigerian centre-back always speaks well and it is notable that, while not a regular in the XI, he is often put forward to do the pressers when he is in the team.
After the win over Hearts, the 36-year-old knew the performance wasn’t vintage and that was why there were some groans from the stand.
Admitting the demands at Rangers can sometimes be ‘unreasonable‘, he insisted that players still have to stand up to it and make sure they produce.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
“It’s my fourth season at the club,” Balogun told the press. “I know what it can be like.
“You just have to get on with it to be very honest.
“There are moments where you think, ‘OK that’s a bit unreasonable’. But that’s just the club.
“You have to put that weight on your shoulders as soon as you put on the shirt and deal with it.
“Obviously it can have an impact every now and again, for some players more than others, especially if they’re a bit younger, if they’re not used to it.
“But like I said you have to get on with it and make sure you dig in and turn the momentum around.
“Which is always something if you do then score a goal, if you do take control, you get the opposite of the fans, of the support.
“That’s probably something that we need to ignite even more.”
Balogun also offered a defence of Philippe Clement, explaining: “I think the manager does quite a good job of always making us aware (of the expectations of the fans).
“If I think back 15, 16 years, even 12, 13 years, then it’s something that you need to grow into if you’re not used to it.
“Also with the expectation that is there in terms of having to win every game, it’s not always easy.
“But I think overall there is a great effort by the manager and you can only repeat it and there is a time where the a player just had to step up and deal with it.
“Like I said before, it’s not always easy. I can’t lie.
“If it’s a game where we’re really far off it then sometimes, even myself, you’re like ‘it’s not great, it’s sticky right now’.
“But like I said in the end I can only repeat myself, you have to get on with it and change the momentum.”
Rangers fans lap up Balogun comments
As mentioned, Balogun is one of the players who seems to ‘get’ life at Ibrox.
The fans can tell that and are generally fond him despite his status as a squad player.
His most recent interview has merely improved his standing within the fan base as supporters bought into what he was saying and some called for him to be made captain.
One said: “Mr Balogun gets what we are.”
Another wrote: ” Best talker in these interviews well spoken big man.”
One supporter asked: “Can we have Big Leon do the managers pressers going forward?”, while another added: “Should be the captain.”
Related Posts
Leon Balogun
Related Posts
More in News
More in News
About Us
Editorial Policy
Meet The Team
Newsletter
Contact Us
Privacy
Complaints
Privacy Settings
a proud member of
© 2024 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Re
served
GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes,
Cheshire, WA8 0WN
Company No. 04155089
