Hagi – make sure you win every game
He said: “It’s about mentality. When you are young, you still don’t have that character.
“Every game here needs to be won, and Scottish football is not beautiful football. It’s more aggressive and he will have to get used to that.”
People in his homeland recognise Barisic is a changed man because of his time in this country.
He added: “Everyone knows that, and recognises that. It’s not hard to see.
“It’s everything about me – character, mentality, physicality.”
Playing well for his club will also help the left-back secure a spot in the Croatia national squad for Euro 2020.
They will be based at a training camp in St Andrews, and could come up against Scotland at Hampden if Steve Clarke’s men win their play-off ties.
“I played very well through qualification, but it doesn’t mean anything,” Barisic continued.
“You must play well for your club to be in good shape for the Euros.
“I need to play well during the second half of the season to make sure I get there.
“I want Scotland to qualify. I have a lot of friends here. It’s my second home.
“Then on the other side, a home crowd isn’t good for us. But I’d like Scotland to be there.
Niko Katic — Barisic’s team-mate and fellow Croat — recently described his friend as being “funny” and “angry”. It’s not a description he recognises. He said: “I forgot to ask him. I’m never angry. I don’t agree. I don’t know what he meant. He’s almost always angry.
“The last time I was angry was probably the defeat by Hearts because I wanted to assist. It’s something I think about all the time.”
Croatian humour, he says, is different to anything you’ll find in Scotland.
Steven Gerrard is delighted to have Matt Polster as the Mr Versatile in his squad.
The United States internationalist has been deputising for Rangers captain James Tavernier – after it looked like he was on his way out of the club.
But Gerrard has been delighted with the way the American responded to being given his chance.
He said: “His performance when he came on against Hearts was really good, really strong.
“He was one of a few players I was pleased with come the end of the game.
“That earned him the start against Ross County, and again it was positive performance. But it was a performance that still needs polishing up.
“We’ve analysed every time he’s touched the ball and where he is positionally. We’ll go through that with him.
“He’s capable of being an option in that position if there are any issues with James.
“The advantage with Matt – and the reason I’m not panicking with Ryan Jack’s short-term injury – is with James back, Matt also gives us good cover as a centre midfielder.
“I played against Matt both as a right-back and a central midfielder when I was in the MLS, and both times he shone.
“That’s what made me aware of him in the first place.
“It gives him an advantage in getting onto the pitch, getting more appearances and growing here as a Rangers player – the fact he’s capable of playing in two positions.
“Matt got married a couple of weeks ago. The timing was fine because of the winter break.
“He came back after the wedding really happy and he’s taken that smiling, happy mood into his performances.”
Gerrard stresses that it’s not just fringe players, like Polster, who have every move in a game analysed.
He went on: “We still go through clips with Davis, Arfield and McGregor.
“They go on a site and the players can look at that after every game.
“It looks at opposition individuals, as well as team clips. With the analysis department we’ve created here, the players have got everything.
“They’ve got no excuses come kick-off.”
Gerrard maintains he’s not fazed by the hysteria that can follow Rangers on and off the field.
He said: “This squad has tested me at times, that’s for sure.
“But that’s life and it’s what I’m learning about pretty quickly.
“I like peace, quiet, stability and focus. In an ideal situation, I want to put all my effort and energy into making decisions for the team to get results.
“But the reason I’m the manager is to manage stuff on and off the pitch.
“Every club has different challenges and personnel. Most clubs have individuals that will test you more than most.
“I don’t want a squad full of people who don’t challenge me. I’m happy with the make-up of my team and wouldn’t swap them for anyone.”