We’ll take deserved criticism
LEON BALOGUN insists Rangers will not shy way from criticism after their stuttering start to the season.
Gers have looked a far cry from the side that romped to last season’s title without defeat. They saw their 40-game unbeaten Premiership run smashed by Dundee United while Malmo wrecked their hopes of a return to the Champions League.
Balogun was culpable for that shock loss to the Swedish champions after failing to get tight to Antonio Colak – but he is not the only player to have struggled so far this term.
However, the Nigeria centre-back is well aware that receiving flak comes with the territory as a Rangers player and he vowed his team will respond in positive fashion, starting with Sunday’s trip to Ross County.
Bologun said: “We have to be honest. If you look at our recent performances it wasn’t the face we wanted to show. It needs improvement. It’s clear for everyone to see. There’s no need to sugarcoat that.
“The good thing is there is a game coming round the corner on Sunday and that’s a chance to get back to the old ways.
“If we knew the exact reason for our recent form we would just turn it off like that. There lies the challenge that we need to face. There is no point hiding from that.
“Criticism will come and we have to face it, put performances in again and get our standards up to the level.
“There is a reason why expectation is there after last season.
“If you do what we did, it’s normal. It’s about dealing with that but not putting too much pressure on ourselves.
“At the end of the day we know what we are capable of and we need to work on that to get confidence back.
“Sunday is the next chance to make steps towards that goal.”