The manager was speaking to Sky Sports News from the club's pre-season camp in Portugal.

How was the pre-season break?

We had a five week break, you need a rest after such a season, that’s normal. Very quickly, your mind goes to the season ahead. First you rest then look ahead. You’re working a couple of hours [a day] planning ahead for the season but also enjoying the break with the family. 

Where are you in terms of the Antonio Colak deal?

We're very close [to a deal]. We've worked hard to get him on board so hopefully he will join us very soon and give us some extra options upfront.

What can Colak bring to Rangers?

He's showed for the teams he's played for that he can score goals - he's a very good striker. He did us damage at the start of last season which showed his qualities. We want to be successful in every competition we play so we need to have the squad to be able to do that. We're happy that he should be able to join us very soon.

Where are you in terms of Joe Aribo’s future?

He’s a very important player for us. He’s been really good for this club. His development has been really good and at the moment, he has ambition to play in the Premier League. That’s his ambition and probably what is going to happen in the near future. It’s what you want as a club. To bring talented players into the club and develop them into really good players and eventually the player will have their own ambitions. What he has done for this club has been fantastic. Joe [Aribo] wants to develop himself further and see where his level is at. There aren't many stronger leagues than the Premier League in the world.

READ MORE: Is Joe Aribo's Rangers career the definition of a mutually-beneficial transfer?

How excited are you to go into next season and try to win the league back?

I’m very excited. Last season is over, we’re looking ahead into the new season. We’re very focused and prepared for the new season. We still expect some new players to come in. The season starts with Livingston away and then we have the Champions League, to try and reach the group stage. August will be very important and we have to be ready. We’re in all competitions at the start and of course, being the manager and players for Rangers comes with expectations. That’s what we feel and we’re working hard to achieve those ambitions. 

How tough of a challenge do you think it will be against Celtic? 

They [Celtic] were champions last year. Of course when you’re first at the end of the season you deserve the Championship so all credit to them. But it’s a new season, we’re here to be successful and we have to be very consistent throughout the whole season, especially in the league, the margins are very close.

Does the run to the Europa League final give you confidence heading into the Champions League qualifiers?

Of course. The run we had in Europe last year was really good, against opponents who were involved in the Champions League that season. But it doesn't guarantee anything. We need to make sure that we're ready, that we're focussed and prepare well. We have the chance to go into the group stages, which will be important as a club, for the team and the development of our players. 

How do you approach your first pre-season - are you looking for continuity or are you looking to make tactical tweaks?

You always have to develop, as a team and as a manager myself - it's the same for my staff. We came in November, it wasn’t the ideal situation or time to come in. But that sometimes happens in football. I think we did well from the start. Now we have more time to talk to the players, about how we want to play, so we can go more into detail and it helps us have a better foundation for the season.

READ MORE: A penalty box poacher with 'Greek god' physique - in-depth Antonio Colak Rangers insight

How big of a boost was it to keep players such as Allan McGregor, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Connor Goldson? 

You need to have a good mix of players who have experienced a lot in football. Connor Goldson, Scott Arfield, Steven Davis and Allan McGregor - these are all players who have been at the club for a long time. We have a lot of players coming into the prime of their careers, while we have talented players who are just beginning their careers. We have a good mix. I'm looking forward to working with my squad this season.

Are you confident you can retain players coming into the prime of their careers - the likes of Calvin Bassey, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos? Have they been offered new contracts?

We are in talks with those players who are entering the final year of their contracts. The season we had last year, attention will come to our players. The interest we currently have in our players is not very high, apart from Joe [Aribo]. In football, anything can change at any moment. We're working hard with Ross Wilson to make sure we're ready to get the players in who we want. Over the coming weeks, it's up to me to work with the squad for them to be physically, mentally and tactically prepared. My players are full of energy - we're in a great place to work hard which we're doing at the moment, so in a couple of weeks time we can start the season.