'Nothing is too big' - Barisic issues Rangers title race rallying cry

Here is everything he had to say.

How big a win did that feel?

Very big. The most important thing today was three points. You know how we finished in the last game against St Johnstone so it is the position we’re in right now. The most important thing was to take three points, it’s all that matters so, in the end, it was good.

Was there a feeling of pressure amongst the players going into this game?

Yes, of course. We know our situation and that we are not in the best moment. I said before the game, the most important thing was to take the three points. It was not the prettiest game for us but when things are not going the best then you need to fight and sometimes make it a little bit ugly also. In the end I think we deserved these three points.

Is it important to use this result as a platform to build on?

We will try. As I said, we are not in the best position, we cannot deny that but we have to be positive. This is a very big three points, we’re now looking forward to the next game and taking three points again.

Congratulations on your inclusion in the Croatia World Cup squad and crowned off with an assist for Malik Tillman’s goal.

Yeah, I’m happy because I assisted, of course, but I helped the team to win the three points which is the most important thing. I’m happy with the assist, it gives me confidence also.

You’re one of the more experienced players, what have you done in the last couple of days to help the less experienced players?

I’ve been here a long time, I know the expectation of the club. Since I’ve been here I’ve had so many big ups and downs, me personally just like the club. Now the situation is not the best, we are not in the best moment and we need to understand that players who have not been here for long who maybe don’t understand, we spoke about that. We talk in the dressing room and we know now what we can do is to fight every game. Maybe it’s not the prettiest football from us and, of course, we don’t enjoy that also but three points is the most important thing and that’s how we need to look forward.

Does it show a team effort for the manager who has been under a lot of pressure?

Yes, of course. We are all behind the manager so we will always fight for the club, for the manager and for the three points.

You were speaking to Malik Tillman and Leon King through the game, is it important you use your experience to help those guys through the games?

Yes, of course, that is important. There are a lot of young players not only in the first 11 but even on the bench you can see that. When young players come to such a big club like Rangers it’s not easy for them to play, especially to play consistently and especially to play when things are not the best. If things are going very well and you come in and play it’s easier but now they need to take some responsibility. Of course, for them, it’s not easy. Everyone doesn’t understand that. I don’t use this as an excuse but it’s not easy for them so we are trying to help them.

How important is it to get to this break to regroup and put in some valuable work on the training ground?

This can be very important and will be very important I’m sure because we have about 10 players who are injured. A lot of them are playing in the first 11 so when we miss that many players it’s not easy. This will be very important because in one month people will come back for sure and I think we will be much stronger.

Is the gap too big to bridge and what are your thoughts on the title race?

Too big? Nothing is too big. I’ve seen a lot of things and everything can change in the next few games. I don’t think it’s too big. It’s not small, of course, but it’s not that big and I don’t think we can say we are second and that is it. That can change in two or three games. We play against them three more times and everything can change. This World Cup break will be good for us because players will come back and it will be much easier to play as we will have a much bigger and deeper squad.

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It was a wonderful team goal, do you say to Ryan [Kent] that this is what he is capable of and this is what you both can do to try and build confidence going forward?

To be fair, I didn’t speak to him about that. I think Ryan is a great player. He’s shown that a lot of times here. You need to have consistency here but we cannot forget what he’s done for the club. He’s a really great player but it’s not easy to show that always. He’s very important for us, he’s very dangerous and I like to play with him.

How big a dream is it to be selected for the Croatia World Cup squad?

One of the biggest dreams because it’s the World Cup. You are representing your country and your family, it’s a dream come true. Also, I’m very thankful to Rangers because they gave me the opportunity to play well here and that I can be called up to the national team. I want to thank the staff and the whole club, to the players and everyone around the club because they are also a very big part of this and I’m happy to represent Rangers also. I’m very happy and proud because I get to go to the World Cup.

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