'Things have changed': Rangers out to end 280-day wait as squad rally round 'brilliant' teammate
Rangers visit Dundee this weekend looking for their third consecutive league win.
It may have been lost amidst the fiery criticism aimed at the Rangers board during the defeat to Roma in midweek, but Danny Rohl’s side have a chance to chalk up their third consecutive league victory for the first time since early February when they visit Dundee on Sunday.
Back-to-back defeats against Celtic and Roma in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final and the Europa League have left some Rangers fans pondering whether their recent Scottish Premiership wins over Kilmarnock and Hibs were little more than false dawns. However, striker Danilo is adamant the team is going in the right direction under their new German boss, but knows Rohl must be given patience in order to get the Rangers squad firing on all cylinders again.
The Brazilian striker has two goals in his last two league games, but was left out of the starting line-up for the 2-0 defeat to Roma on Thursday as he continues to build up match fitness. Frequently omitted from the matchday squad by former head coach Russell Martin, the 26-year-old is hopeful he can return to the starting XI this weekend as they face Dundee on Sunday afternoon, where he’ll look to repay Rohl’s faith in him by firing them to their third successive league victory for the first time in 280 days.
“We’re taking it day by day,” said Danilo. “A lot of things have changed; it is not up to me to explain that. This is my third season here, and I’ve been seeing a lot of things. But as a player, you just try to do what you can for the team. There’s a new manager as well. It’s a process. We’ve been good in the two [league] games and got a clean sheet against Hibs. We have to take the positives.
“Dundee are a good opponent, away from home, and hopefully we get the win. The manager wants us to dominate, get another clean sheet. It hasn’t been good [in Europe], obviously four defeats, but Sunday is a big opportunity to keep the momentum, then we have an international break, and can get a good rest and be ready.
“We have to step up. Try and do what he [Rohl] demands from us in every aspect. Be clinical, try to create goals, and be sold at the back. The league is a good opportunity to show that we are a unit, and a team that sticks together no matter what happens. We are in a good flow in the league, we can’t give up on the league [title], or anything. Our confidence is already there. We’ve shown some good stuff. The manager has come with good ideas, and we are trying to implement them.
The frontman also had words of encouragement for struggling teammate Youssef Chermiti. Bought for £8.5million in the summer from Everton, the young Portuguese forward has scored just once since his move to Ibrox. Signed by sporting director Kevin Thewell, Chermiti has often been used as a stick with which to beat the under-fire board member.
Missing a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in last week’s 3-1 defeat to Celtic, the 21-year-old fluffed his lines again when presented with a golden chance against Roma in midweek. Danilo has promised to support his struggling teammate, saying he has confidence he will turn it around, revealing he has been through similar rough times in Govan.
“He’s doing brilliant,” said Danilo. “Obviously not scoring, but trying to press and give everything he’s got. As a striker, you need to score, that’s what the fans want to see, but I think it’s coming. I’ve had that experience here myself, scoring goals and then being out. If you play together, we try to help each other as much as possible. Then we speak about the outside as well.
“He’s a good lad, he’s working hard and hopefully things get better for him. If you come with a price tag, fans want to see why he cost this price. With performance, you can show why you cost that amount. But time will tell, he’s just been here a few months already, day by day he is trying to improve. I have seen some improvements since he arrived.
“Every player will get the time to improve themselves, time will tell. I can’t tell the future, I can’t say he is going to be the top scorer. But he’s trying - the same with me as well. I want to do everything I can to help the team and my teammates.”
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