Rangers star Borna Barisic says he badly misses the roar of supporters at Ibrox as behind closed doors fixtures continue, as captured by RangersTV.
After a tough first season at the club, over the past year, the Croatia international has established himself as a key member of Steven Gerrard’s strongest XI and as a firm fan favourite.
Individually, he’s had a strong start to the season, helping his side to nine clean sheets in ten matches, as well as contributing a goal and five assists.
He played 74 minutes of the third-round qualifier against Willem II in Tilburg on Thursday night, with the 4-0 victory setting up a winner-takes-all play-off against Galatasaray at Ibrox next week.
Barisic is looking forward to the contest but is ruing the continued absence of fans as a big European night approaches.
“I think playing at home is a bonus but the fans are something that I miss so much,” he said, as captured by RangersTV. “It’s so different to play without fans.”
“When we started the season, the first few games you think ‘ok ok’, but now, it starts to be very boring without fans because they always push you with the crowd energy, especially when we play at home.”
“Honestly, I miss the fans so much that I cannot explain.”
Rangers star Borna Barisic missing Ibrox atmosphere – Verdict
It’s refreshing to see a player speaking honestly rather than giving stock answers and it’s clear that Barisic is finding playing at an empty Ibrox hard to get used to.
The lack of supporters hasn’t had a detrimental impact on the Gers’ home performances so far this season, with Gerrard’s side winning all four of their matches in Govan, scoring 12 goals and conceding none.
However, there’s no doubt that the Ibrox factor pushed the players to great feats in the Europa League last season, particularly in the case of the dramatic Round of 32 comeback against Braga.
There’ll be no one in attendance to sing Borna’s name when Gala visit next week, but thousands will be on the edge of their seats at home, hoping that he can help to book his club a place in the group stages.
