Sam Lammers spoke to the media last week for the first time since joining Rangers from Atalanta. The interview was embargoed until today and here's everything that he had to say.
How do you feel after signing for Rangers?
It was a very proud feeling. I was really excited to start and happy to meet all the boys. It’s really good and the first training sessions have been tough but good.
The challenge of being at Rangers?
I think it’s a big challenge but a good one. The style of Rangers fits me as we should normally be the better team in every game. This fits me well because I’m the type of player who likes to be on the ball. The manager played a big part in it because he came to visit me in Italy and he has a clear vision of what he wants from me and the team. There are only positive thoughts right now.
What is his vision for you?
I obviously can’t tell you every detail but I can play different roles in the team. He loves attacking players, who can switch positions and don’t stay in the same place. I’m not a striker who is static and stays up front all of the time. This suits me well as I love to get on the ball.
Competition for places?
I think it’s good. This was also one of the first things that the manager told me when he came to visit me. There are some other players coming in and that’s good for the competition. There should always be competition at a top club like Rangers and there will be. We have lots of attacking players just now but I have confidence in myself and if I show my qualities then I’ll play.
Replacing Alfredo Morelos and becoming Rangers' number-one striker?
Of course, but I can play different roles in the system. I’m not here to replace anyone because I’m my own player. It’s clear that I want to be an important player this season for Rangers.
Favourite position?
I’m flexible. In the youth and first-team at Holland, most teams play with three up front and I was used to that. But in the last few years, I’ve played as one of two strikers in Italy and Germany. If you play attacking football and have lots of possession then the position doesn’t really matter.
How important was Beale’s visit?
It doesn’t happen often in football. The human part played a big role and the fact that he came over to tell his story and vision for next season. It was a really positive thing and I had a good feeling after it. I was excited to come over and happy it worked out. He didn’t have to persuade me because the club speaks for itself. I was already interested as otherwise I wouldn’t have gone to talk to him. If it wasn’t a positive talk then it would be a different feeling but everything went as I expected it to.
Standard in training?
The first days in a new place are always nice but you have to get to know the people and teammates. I think the standard in training has been very high and everybody gives a lot of energy. Everybody is all over the place, which is normal at the start of pre-season because everybody wants to show themselves and give a lot of energy. You can see there’s a lot of quality, international players coming back and other players maybe coming in.
Rangers' history with Dutch players…
I didn’t speak to anyone but I was aware of the fact - in terms of managers and players. Even when I spoke to the manager, it was one of the things that he mentioned and showed me. It’s nice to see a good list with a lot of players who did well for Rangers. Hopefully, I can add my name to the list.
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