Borna Barisic on Rangers' Celtic meeting: 'We owe it to the fans'

Will this define how successful the season has been?

Yes, it’s a big game as always against them. Especially in this situation where we are not first in the league and didn’t win the last cup. This game is the most important now.

How have you prepared for it?

To be fair I started this week from the start, I know how much this means to the club and fans. This time I feel something more special honestly. I feel that we need to win. This time I feel something else. I know why it is deep in me but I will prepare myself very good for this game.

Do the players feel they owe the support?

Of course. This season we owe them a lot there is no doubt about it.

Do you have anything to prove?

Of course yes, we always compete against them in this country it’s always them or us, every game is a big game and an opportunity to prove we’re better. This season that hasn’t been the case but Sunday is different, it’s one game and it’s 50/50.

What needs to change from previous matches?

We have analysed the last three games since the new manager came in and we know where we made mistakes, everyone knows that. I think in the last game at Celtic Park we were much better than the game before in the final. We took some positives from that. Obviously, we lost the game so negative things also, that we try to avoid this time.

Do you need a stronger mentality?

It’s very hard to talk now about that because you can talk about mentality, we need to run, we need to do this. This season I don’t want to talk too much because we didn’t do a lot of good things, not in the last cup game. I would like to be more quiet and try to show what we’ve done all week on the pitch and win the game.

You have a different feeling?

I have some special feelings about the importance of this game. As I said recently when this game comes you need to be prepared. The most important thing is our heads are on the pitch, let’s see what happens because we have confidence that we can win the game.

Are you optimistic looking ahead to next season?

Yes, I’ve thought about that a lot in the last few weeks honestly. The situation we are in is not good but I see people behind the scenes how they are working now, we can become stronger with a bigger, deeper squad and that’s why I am very positive because I can see the good work. Of course, you need a lot of things to come in one place to win the league but I can see a lot of positive things with a good pre-season and good players we will be more competitive.

How has the competition of Ridvan improved you?

I’ve always said when you have someone who is competing with you you’ll become better, that’s why I said we need a big squad with good players because when you go to training with everyone competing and training is better. I felt that before when we won the league. Of course Ridvan pushes me to train more, be fit all the time and give my best.

How did it make you feel being nominated for player of the year?

To be fair I didn’t know and then one of my friends sent me it. I’m very pleased and happy, I don’t want to talk about myself, everyone makes mistakes and it won’t always be perfect but I’m trying to be as consistent as I can. I have a lot of assists and I’m happy because I’ve been top provider for goals this season. No one is perfect but I am very happy to be nominated.