Tillman proud Rangers’ mentality saved the day
MALIK TILLMAN reckons Rangers’ mentality shone through as they came from behind to see off Aberdeen and move another step closer to silverware this season.
Michael Beale’s side set up a Viaplay Cup final clash with fierce rivals Celtic thanks to a Ryan Jack equaliser and extra- time strike from Kemar Roofe.
Rangers found themselves behind when Bojan Miovski netted in the first half and Aberdeen were dreaming of a shock victory at the national stadium.
A red card for Anthony Stewart late in injury time turned the game and Rangers were able to dig deep and see it out in difficult conditions.
Tillman said: “We’re thrilled. Everyone wants to be in the final. As a team we want to win titles and this is a big step towards one of them.
“I thought we dominated the whole game but conceded an unlucky goal. We didn’t defend it well but we came back again. We kept going and kept working hard.
“We said at half- time it was all about mentality. Even in extra time it’s always a mentality thing. You need to work hard and stay calm in your head to play easy.
“The manager told us at half- time it was a mentality thing. He also said we’d played very well and we just had to come back and get a goal in the second half.
“We try to win titles, that’s the most important thing. Obviously we are nine points behind in the league so this is the first title we can compete for and we’ll try to win it.”
Rangers will now return to Hampden next month to bid for the first medals of the campaign as they prepare to face Ange Postecoglou’s side once again this term.
Tillman has his sights set on the silverware but admits he can’t look too far into the future as Rangers and Bayern Munich continue discussions over his next move.
Tillman said: “There’s nothing yet. It depends on the club and also Bayern.
“They have to communicate first then we’ll see. It depends on the clubs, not me.”