Thelo Aasgaard reckons his tough start to life at Rangers will stand him in good stead as he looks to prove himself to the Ibrox crowd and new boss Danny Rohl.
The Norwegian internationalist opened his account for Rangers in the draw with Dundee United last weekend. It was an afternoon that summed up the good, the bad and the ugly this term as an impressive 45 minutes turned into a second half collapse and another round of boos from a frustrated fan base.
Supporters have made their feelings clear over the course of a dreadful campaign and Russell Martin paid the price for a run of performances and results that was nowhere near acceptable. Now it is Rohl who has been tasked with picking up the pieces at home and abroad.
Aasgaard made the move across the border from Luton Town in the summer. And the playmaker has acknowledged the change in levels on and off the park as he continues to adjust to the pressure of playing for a club where second is last.
"It's been intense and the demand is very high, so it should be when you're playing for such a big club,” Aasgaard said. “It's an honour. I'll never step on the pitch and not be grateful to wear the shirt and just try and be myself.
“Obviously the pressure comes, but I've enjoyed embracing it at times. I'm sure we've got plenty more positive days to come.
“I got told a little bit about it before I came, but I just tried to embrace it. I felt like every game I've been able to deal with the pressure better and better as the games and as the weeks have rolled on. That's just what I'm trying to continue to do and hopefully come out on pitch.
“It was an unbelievable feeling [to score against Dundee United]. I think the goal came a bit later than I wanted it to, but hopefully that can take that positive energy into the next games and get a few more.”
Rangers produced their most impressive half of the domestic campaign at the weekend but were unable to follow it up as United came from behind to lead. A late strike from James Tavernier rescued a point but Rangers remain languishing well off the pace in the Premiership.
Aasgaard outlined the differences between Martin’s approach and the Rohl blueprint on the eve of the Europa League fixture with Brann. He called Martin’s tactics ‘unique’ and pinpointed the ‘intensity’ that Rohl is looking to instil in his side.
“Yes, possibly,” Aasgaard said when asked if his showing against United was down to a change of his own role. “First of all, credit to Stevie Smith. He laid down some basics for us and basically said to go and enjoy the game.
“I felt like I did, especially in the first 45 minutes. We know the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but I think there were some positives to take out of that game. Ultimately, it was just having that freedom and enjoying getting closer to the box.
“I think [I have got a lot more to show]. With the start of the season, it's been tough. Of course, it's disappointing to have this start, but I think individually I'm always going to strive for more. Hopefully the last game was a little bit of what I can do.
“I think [my form has] been slightly frustrating, obviously, with the results. That's the main focus of all our performances. I think I've grown into the team.
“It does feel like [a fresh start]. I think the last international break came at a good time. It's always tough when there's big changes like this, but I've got full belief in the lads that we'll adapt.”
Share