Rangers defender Leon Balogun insists its on his shoulders and those of the other leaders in the squad to stand up and be counted.
With the pressure ramping up on Philippe Clement, the Rangers defender has also been giving his backing to the manager amid some calls for the Belgian’s head.
Rangers have undergone a summer of substantial change with several amongst this new, youthful Ibrox contingent still getting used to the challenge of life in Scotland.
But whilst there are groans about Philippe Clement in some Rangers circles, Leon Balogun insists the Belgian manager is putting in a ‘great effort’ to change the course in Glasgow.
The 36-year-old centre-back has also challenged his Ibrox teamates to step up and ‘deal’ with the expectation of playing for Rangers.
Leon Balogun backs Philippe Clement
“I think the manager does quite a good job of always making us aware (of the expectations of the fans),” said Balogun.
“If I think back 15, 16 years, even 12, 13 years, then it’s something that you need to grow into if you’re not used to it.
“Also with the expectation that is there in terms of having to win every game, it’s not always easy.
“But I think overall there is a great effort by the manager and you can only repeat it and there is a time where the a player just had to step up and deal with it.
“Like I said before, it’s not always easy. I can’t lie.
“If it’s a game where we’re really far off it then sometimes, even myself, you’re like ‘it’s not great, it’s sticky right now’.
“But like I said in the end I can only repeat myself, you have to get on with it and change the momentum.”
Rangers defender claims young leader stepping up
Leon Balogun has also been talking about the adjustment for the new Rangers signings and the necessity to step up to the challenge at Ibrox.
The Nigerian defender has been over the course before in Glasgow and knows just how rewarding life can be when things go right.
But when it’s not happening, the Rangers squad needs to stick together and looks to its leaders to pull them through the mire.
Amongst those are names you’d expect; Leon Balogun himself, club captain James Tavernier and former England goalkeeper Jack Butland.
But Balogun has revealed that impressive young midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who is on fine form at Rangers, is also taking on increased responsibility.
“100% you can see they all buy into it because they have to,” said Balogun when asked about his teammates rising up to the challenge.
“You have to rise up to the challenge. You still have to do it.
“Like I said if it takes one player a bit more time than another that’s fine.
“That’s why you have someone like me in the squad, Tav, Jack (Butland), even in Nico (Raskin) is someone who really tries to take responsibility.
“And the boys are really all buying into it, that’s the most important thing.
“Are mistakes going to happen? Yes. I think everybody is going to forgive them as long as you show that you understand what it means to play for this (club).
“That you really dig in and give it your all.”
