Everything the manager said to the media at today's press conference.

What have you made of the fixture schedule?

We’ve already played so many games, 27th game tomorrow. For everyone involved in football at the moment – players, managers – I don’t think it’s ideal if you see the number of games we play, in a really short period. Teams who are used to playing a high level are also struggling with injuries. Those are players who are used to playing a lot of games at the highest level. For us, we played above our level in the Champions League so it was already tough, mentally and physically. We have to do that in a shorter term so it makes it even harder. But it’s the decision of FIFA to organise a World Cup in the beginning of November. It will affect someone if you organise a tournament in November, and it’s us, players and managers.

Is there a lesson to be learned in terms of preparation for a period like this?

It’s the first time we had it. You also come from a season before, you don’t have time to give players any extra time off. We had to start the season already qualifying for Europe. For me, the biggest lesson would be to not organise another tournament in November. For me, that’d be the smartest thing to do.

Will the break help refresh you?

Well, we’ve used a lot of energy, it’s normal. Yeah, we need a break, my players need a break. We’ve had many players unavailable. It’s normal that you’re waiting for the break, time to recover and refresh.

Injured players, how many will you have back after the break?

I cannot say exactly but I know we have one of the biggest squads with more players to choose from. We play our first game against Hibs and I’m confident we’ll have players back. How many exactly, I cannot say. My medical department will push them to be available.

Ryan Jack made the Scotland squad, is he back tomorrow?

They have a trip to go and need their players, that’s normal. Every club team makes a decision, for me it’s the same. We have players who have played so many games but some players might need minutes to be fresher. Ryan Jack is one of them. He will be involved in the squad tomorrow but he’s been out for a couple of weeks. He’s one of the players it would be more beneficial for.

Can you use the break to clear up contract uncertainty?

Well, it’s not about the break, we can talk now. We have been talking with them previously. It’s not about the break, the uncertainty will stay if players don’t sign a new contract, that’s the position you will have as a club if you have players out of contract. That uncertainty will stay.

Where are you up to with renewals?

You should ask Ross [Wilson]. He’s speaking with the player and the agents so he’s best to ask about the situation. When you’re having a difficult moment, people will talk and pinpoint problems or areas to improve. I’m not the technical director. It’s not always the case that what happens is what you want. You have contract discussions with players who might have different ideas about their future. There are a lot of things that are important when you sign new contracts. Connor Goldson was one of the players last year who was also uncertain about his future but in the end, he signed a new deal. It’s difficult to point the finger to one person.

Are you still confident Morelos will stay?

I’m very confident and positive but it doesn’t mean it will happen. We’ll see. I’m a very positive person but it’s not my decision. It’s very difficult for me to say if new contracts will happen.

Rangers Review:

What can you take from Wednesday’s game?

I see many positives, the way we tried to play, especially at the start of the game and in the second half we showed our desire and intention to go forwards and give energy to the game. We scored a great goal and had really good chances to score more. For me, for our players, it’s very important to be more clinical. We had so many chances but just scored one. It’s something we need to do better.

How important is it for your strikers to return to form?

We have to keep looking for the situations, it’s very important to have support from midfield. In the last games we scored with midfield players, John Lundstram and Malik Tillman, you want everyone to be dangerous in front of goal. Both Colak and Morelos have that threat. Antonio is the league’s top scorer and Morelos had some good chances to score in the last game. They need to keep pushing themselves to get in areas from which they can score.

Can you give us an injury update?

Fashion is unavailable. He has a minor muscle injury, he will be short-term but not ready to play tomorrow. Colak is the same as Fashion, a minor injury so tomorrow comes too soon for him. Jack will be back in the squad.

What needs to be different against St Mirren in comparison to last week?

We’ve played so many games against teams who have a low block. Against St Johnstone, we created so many chances to score. The quality could have been better once in our positions and we got into the final third, on Wednesday it was much better. Especially in the second half, we had so many chances. St Mirren plays direct as well with strikers who are fast and can be dangerous in transition. We have to be fully focused over 90 minutes to get a result.

Will you look to recruit in attacking areas in January?

Not at the moment, I’m focused on St Mirren. The window is closed for one and a half months. We have to be more clinical. We get in so many positions and have chances to score. The big difference we need to make is score more goals. If you see our games, it’s a whole different story if you only have one or two chances and win by a one-goal margin or you have so many chances. The expected goals you see in our last games is really high. In the end, the actual goals we scored are low. That needs to change because the more goals you score the easier you will play in the games.

Will Antonio miss tomorrow?

Yes, we had to take him off on Wednesday. With so many games it’s impossible to get him ready. He is out but will be fine when we get back.

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