Giovanni van Bronckhorst insists Rangers are ready to take the title fight all the way this season - starting with the win on Sunday to help keep their dream alive.
The Dutchman says his side have learned from their derby drubbing last time out when they capitulated at Parkhead.
Rangers trail their rivals and Scottish Premiership leaders by three points and defeat, given Celtic’s superior goal difference, would all but end their hopes of retaining the league title with just six games left.
Van Bronckhorst will have to try and get the win he desperately needs without talisman Alfredo Morelos who is crocked.
But the Ibrox boss is bullish about his side’s chances and of taking their quest for title No. 56 down to the wire.
Here is the Rangers manager’s pre-match press conference in full.
Do you need to win on Sunday to retain the title?
GVB: Yes. We need to win no matter what. It’s an Old Firm game and if you look at the standings it’s a big opportunity to go on level points. That’s the objective we have. That’s why we’ll work hard to be the winners on Sunday. With the remaining games anything can happen. I think it might go all the way to the end of the season.
We need to start with winning this game on Sunday. It is a challenge but we embrace the challenge.
Alfredo Morelos?
GVB: Alfredo unfortunately had a new injury while on duty with Colombia so he won't be available for this Sunday. It is a long term injury but we don't know how long yet.
We have to wait for the coming days because he will be assessed longer. Hopefully we can give you more news after the weekend. But he’s out for sure.
He had an injury while on duty with Colombia, a muscle injury. It’s unfortunate for him and for all of us that he won’t be involved on Sunday.
Is it an opportunity for Kemar Roofe?
GVB: Without Morelos, we have a big squad. We have Kemar who has played more games in the last weeks. He was very important, scored some important goals, had two great assists against Dundee. So he is definitely one of the players who has to step up and make sure that he is getting the performance in for the team to help us as a club. Kemar is ready.
What did you learn from Parkhead defeat?
GVB: Of course I’ve seen Celtic play a lot of times this season and I’ve watched back the game we played in February.
We didn’t play well, especially the first half where we had the option and the space to play our normal game which we always do - but we didn’t have the patience and the calmness to play our possession game.
That’s why we won’t come into this weekend’s game only (thinking about) defending.
That’s one thing we’ve learned after the last game, this team is much more controlled and much more confident with the ball.
That’s what we need on Sunday against a strong opponent.
We’ve shown we’ve strong at home. I’m confident my team will perform well on Sunday and have a better performance than we had a couple of months ago.
Is the team more flexible with shape, tactics than in February?
GVB: It’s definitely one aspect of the game we do better. It’s also about recognising which system is needed. We’re very dynamic, very versatile.
Our game management is better and better. That’s what we’ll need for Sunday and the remaining games of this season.
Is it important for leaders to step up?
GVB: Your leadership group and players who have played this game before and recognise what’s needed to win is very important.
We just have to make sure we have the level we want and need to win an Old Firm game.
I’m confident we will have a good performance on Sunday because we want the win and we’ll do everything to get it.
How is the squad fixed?
GVB: This is the first time we are complete. Only James Sands is coming back this afternoon from his stay with the United States.
All the players came back fit and the only injuries we have for Sunday is (Ianis) Hagi and (Alfredo) Morelos but all the other players are available to feature.
How important will the fans be?
GVB: They are very important. I told the players I played the Legends match on Saturday. To be on this pitch with all the people in the stand … it took me back to my playing days. My players are privileged now to be playing at Ibrox. They will be the 12th man and they will be pushing us forward and helping us and screaming us to a good result. I am more than happy with the support so far this season. They will be supporting us throughout the remaining games of the season.
Could Steven Davis have a part to play in the remainder of the season?
GVB: Steven had a lot of problems with his injuries. He was never really fully available. Every time he was starting again or maybe he was in contention to play, he got setbacks in training. It’s very disappointing for Steven but I am happy for Steven that he has played minutes for his country because he wasn’t able to play for us. We have a lot of midfield players, but I think Steven, with his quality and experience, is a very important player. For me now, he is available. That is the positive thing for Steven but also for myself.
