'What we're seeing now...': Rangers ace in 'thankful' admission as he shares honest verdict on Ibrox struggles
Thelo Aasgaard admits his the opening months of his Rangers career have been eye-opening
Rangers playmaker Thelo Aasgaard hopes his match-winning strike against Motherwell will spark happier times at Ibrox after a “rollercoaster” start to his Rangers journey.
Described as a player with the “necessary qualities to thrive” at Rangers upon his £3.5million arrival at the club in July, the Norwegian’s start at Ibrox has been anything but straightforward. Like several other summer recruits, the 23-year-old has so far failed to live up to his billing.
Since being sent off in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic in November, the 23-year-old has started just three league games for head coach Danny Rohl. However, after being restored to the starting XI against Motherwell on Saturday, Aasgaard repaid his manager’s faith by scoring the winning goal, helping Rangers reclaim third spot and close the gap on league leaders Hearts to nine points.
“I thought we were in control for large amounts of the game,” admitted Aasgaard. “It's frustrating not to win by a few more, put the game to bed a bit earlier. But in the end, it's all about the results, so I was really happy to get the win. We take every game as it comes, we don't look too far ahead. There's so many games and to come so we just concentrate on our on our next match and that's it really.
“I always assess my performances and I don't think Saturday [vs Motherwell] was my best either, but I think if I come up with moments like this, then I'll take it and then it's something to build on. I'm desperate to do well for this club so, just try and stay humble and work as hard as I can. I'm always trying to be a better player. I don't like to the set limits I always try to strive for more. I'm working hard with the guys in the in the backroom, trying to improve.
“Obviously, it's been frustrating being in and out the team, but in every good team you're going to have competition for places and I've got to respect that. I've just tried to work so hard as I can in training and keep my head so when I'm back in the team, I can be confident and provide some good moments.”
Reflecting on his first season at the club, Aasgaard was honest enough to admit it had been far from easy, but revealed why he is thankful for his struggles in Govan as he aims to kick on in the second half of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
“It's been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I think what we're seeing now is a bit more consistency in terms of our offensive and defensive play. I'm sure as fans you can start to see patterns of play and where this team can get to. There's a lot a lot more belief in the changing room and I think you're starting to see hints of it on the pitch.
“Later on in my career, I'll be really thankful for this. As the months have gone on, I've learned to deal with big pressure, maybe more than I have earlier on in my career. If anything, I'm thankful for it and I think it'll serve me well - not only in the next few months, but even later in my career.”
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