The manager was speaking ahead of his side's opening game of the 2023/23 season against Livingston. 

What is the shape of the squad ahead of tomorrow?

Kemar [Roofe] is still out, he will not be in the squad tomorrow. Alex [Lowry] is fit to train, he is training with the B team at the moment to get fitness and game time. Rabbi [Matondo] had his first individual session today, he looks good, tomorrow will be short of time and he will join the group on Sunday to prepare for Tuesday’s game.

When will Ridvan Yilmaz join up with the group?

He is travelling to Glasgow tomorrow, he is clear to play and is ahead of pre-season with Besiktas. He will join the group on Sunday as well.

Is there any timescale on Filip Helander and Roofe?

No, I don’t have any timeframe for when they will be back. Once I know, I will communicate that. So far, I think Kemar will be quicker, he is on the pitch so hopefully, he will join the sessions in the coming weeks. Filip, we will assess in the coming weeks to see how he will develop.

Do you feel this team is now your team?

No, it has always been my team. When you’re the Rangers manager it is your team, every player I had when I came in November was part of my team, I was responsible. We had some transfer windows to get players in but each and every player who I had and have in the squad now are my players.

Is your squad stronger than last season?

We have a strong squad, you can see the level and competition in training for every position. That’s what you want when you play for a team like Rangers. I’m happy with the competition we have now and the quality of depth. I’m happy with the squad we have at the moment.

Rangers Review:

Do you think the fans are expectant for another European adventure?

The expectation is always high. When you’ve done really well over a number of years and made the final last year, that will bring expectation. It’s a new campaign and season, every game in Europe is hard. We just have to make sure we’re ready for every game we play. The month of August is very important because we have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League. We have to take it step by step. It’s a new challenge, a new season and we have to make sure we are well prepared for each game in Europe.

How big is the domestic challenge this season?

That’s the most important competition we’re in, we want to be champions of Scotland again. We didn’t achieve that last year so we start all over again and we have to make sure we have a good start, starting tomorrow against Livingston. We’ve prepared well and are ready for the challenge. It’s very important to get a good start and get the first three points of the season tomorrow.

How close is Alfredo Morelos to being back involved?

He is already doing big parts of the training sessions with us. He looks stronger every day when he joins us. So, hopefully, we can have him back really quick in the squad. We named him in the squad for the first ties of the competition, hopefully, he will be involved really soon.

Is Niko Katic looking for a new club?

I spoke with Niko, who was on loan last season. It’s always good to work with players under contract so Niko was back this pre-season. He is a great person and I spoke with him last week about his future. We agreed it would be best for him to get another club and play elsewhere. His future will not be at Rangers. He has to find a club where he can play and we will help him with that.