Since Antonio Colak left Rangers, the club hasn’t had an out-and-out number nine.
The Croatian hitman, who is now 31, was signed from PAOK under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and played a crucial role in firing the Ibrox club back to the Champions League.
That goal in Eindhoven was ample payback for breaking Rangers hearts whilst at Malmo the year previously.
But there was a feeling that Antonio Colak didn’t always fit at Rangers with questions over the lone striker’s mobility, if never his finishing.
Only one year on from leaving Rangers for Parma, the Croatian journeyman is off on a new adventure in Italy where he’s been hinting as to why it might not have worked at Ibrox.
Antonio Colak admits Rangers exit hasn’t gone to plan
Things started brightly for Antonio Colak at Parma last season when the big striker joined the Serie B club.
But slowly Colak’s influence began to wane with the striker eventually succumbing to a place on the bench and substitute involvement as the Serie B side earned promotion.
Moved on again in the summer to divisional rivals Spezia, Colak missed out on a shot at Serie A with Parma but has started brightly in Italy’s second flight this season.
The reason?
Well according to the ex-Ibrox striker himself, Spezia’s decision to play with two strikers instead of one suits his game much better than it ever did at Parma, or by proxy, Rangers.
“I came here to Spezia where you play with two strikers who are always in the game and who above all are fundamental for D’Angelo’s game,” Colak told Cittadella Spezia.
“In this type of formation I can show how much I’m worth. Unfortunately, at Parma it wasn’t like that.
“We didn’t play with a classic nine, but with a more versatile player like Bonny, like Mihaila, and I wasn’t able to show what my best qualities are, that is, scoring.
“I tried to make the most of this situation, even in the few minutes I had available I scored three goals.
“There are moments like that, here at Spezia I have more opportunities due to the type of game we have.
‘I have several players who work behind me and can lead me to have the opportunities I’m looking for.”
The comments give an insight into how it never worked out for Antonio Colak at Rangers, and will perhaps have some Ibrox fans lamenting the big striker’s exit under Michael Beale.
The Rangers striker is expected to do much more than just score goals these days, but Colak was evidence that it’s where every true Ibrox number nine should start.
Asked about why he made the switch to Italy when he did, Colak explains that it was a shot at Italian football and not the Scottish game which has always been his ‘dream’.
“I always wanted to play in Italy,” said Colak. “Parma was the team with which I had the first concrete discussions to get to an important place.
I got there to return to Serie A, because that is my dream. We did it, unfortunately I don’t play in Serie A but I hope to be able to do it with Spezia.”
Ex-Rangers striker can’t compare Ibrox to new home
Antonio Colak is yet to score for Spezia since moving to the club this summer but made only his first start in the 1-0 win over Reggiana before the break.
The striker set up the winner in the match and his early appearances with the Serie B side have been encouraging to the club’s fans.
Spezia are unbeaten in their opening five Serie B games this season and there is a positive atmosphere building at the club’s 12k seater Stadio Alberto Picco Stadium.
It’s obviously not quite Ibrox Stadium and Antonio Colak took the chance to compare the two grounds with the home of Spezia already leaving a big impression.
“I really like the Picco,” said Colak. “I was impressed playing here as a Spezia player.
“There is a fantastic atmosphere, so much warmth from the stands, they push us so much at all times.
“We have won all the games at home and it is not a coincidence. I love playing here at home.
“I have played in important stadiums, for example at Ibrox which is a stadium with an incredible history. It is difficult to make a comparison, but I really like the Picco.”
Colak has also been speaking about his rather unorthodox journey to Spezia in his career.
The striker started his career in Germany, signing permanently for Karlsruher, Nurnberg and Hoffenheim but playing across a number of clubs on loan.
There has also been time spent in his homeland with Rijeka, as well as those stints in Greece, Sweden and of course Scotland with Rangers.
Colak claims that no matter where he has been, there has been success, with the striker explaining that he continues to have an impact at the highest level.
“In almost all of these places I have had great moments and won trophies,” said Colak.
“In every team and in every country I have been to, I have stories to tell, I could go on until tomorrow morning.
“I have achieved many goals: I have played in the Champions League, in the Europa League, in the Conference, I was the best player in Croatia, I reached the national team.
“All the places I have played have led me to be the player and the person I am today. Last year at Parma I also became champion and we reached Serie A.
“Maybe it wasn’t the adventure I hoped it would be, but it was an important part of my career. I hope that with Spezia I can continue this streak of successes and do great things.”
Antonio Colak made 39 appearances in his one season at Rangers in 22/23, scoring 18 goals and laying on three assists.
