Cyriel Dessers was speaking after Rangers' 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Here is everything he had to say.

Can you put into words how difficult that defeat is?

It's extremely difficult and painful. Obviously, it was a big game, so you arrive here with some expectations, and to walk off the pitch with a loss really hurt.

Can you catch Aberdeen and Celtic?

I think so. I think last year around this time we were in a similar situation, and I think by New Year we kind of closed the gap, and then later in the season we came back again, so it's not impossible, but we will need to up our level in more games.

What was lacking in the team?

That's a really good question. We found control in the second half, and at that time I think we had some small chances. At that point, we missed a little bit in terms of creating the big chances to finish it off. I haven't seen their second goal yet, but it looks like we were a little bit unlucky there, and they were very sharp at the second post again. It’s painful that we gave away the control there again, and then it was going to be tough in the last 15 minutes.

Can you understand the frustration of the fans?

Obviously they travelled all the way here to support us again so I can understand them. They want to see us win, they want to see us compete, they want to see us on the top of the table. We're not there yet, and hopefully we can start fighting back now and give them something to be more happy about.

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How important is the League Cup semi-final?

It was already huge, I think. A chance to go to a final, hopefully, our third cup final in a row, that would be massive, but with the result against Aberdeen, obviously it will become even bigger to give our fans something back. But we fully realise that, and we will be ready for them.

How hard is it to go to the fans when they don't want to see you?

Obviously, it's difficult to see their reactions, and that hurts. But we know they're hurting as well. You don't want to be in this situation, but right now we're all in the same boat. We are Rangers, the fans are Rangers, we as a team, the staff all together, and we have to stick together, no matter how difficult the times are. I'm sure we need to bounce back, and I'm sure we will bounce back.

Do the players feel they owe the manager?

I think we as a group, as players, we have that feeling, not only towards staff or people in the club, but also to the fans that are travelling here, that are showing up at all of our games. Like I said, we need to bounce back, and I think we will.