NafisaMohamed Diomande disclosed that Rangers players are filled with remorse over their disastrous season but believes another victory over Celtic could enhance confidence for the next campaign.
The Ibrox midfielder acknowledges the season has fallen far short of expectations under former manager Philippe Clement and temporary coach Barry Ferguson.
However, the 23-year-old recognizes that securing a third consecutive triumph over their Old Firm adversaries in Govan today will at least provide their beleaguered fans with something to celebrate.
As he prepared for the season’s final derby, Diomande—who netted a goal in Gers’ 3-2 win at Parkhead last time—was critical of himself and his teammates.
Yet, the Ivory Coast international pledged to improve next year when the club is anticipated to have new American ownership.
Diomande said: “A win on Sunday would help with belief for next season.
“We’ve already won two games against them, it’s the other games we’ve lost.
“I know we’re going to be ready for this game. That’s something that happens every time we play against Celtic.
“Looking back at this season, I know there’s going to be a lot of regret from a lot of us here. We thought we could push in the other games.
“But our fans want us to beat them on Sunday and we’ll be trying to do that. I’m going to be hard on myself. I’ve done that a lot of times this season, that’s just what I feel.
“Why have we struggled against the other teams? They are more defensive-minded and we’ve struggled to create a lot of chances.
“That’s been the biggest problem and the biggest challenge for us. I really hope we can find a way to break teams down.
“When we go ahead, we often concede late in games. We lose our focus and then silly goals.
“We lose our concentration and I think that’s something we’ve lacked this season.
“We’ve got four games left but I’m already looking forward to next season – and to be ready for every team we are going to face.”
Despite the team’s struggles and finishing the season without silverware, Diomande believes he has progressed as a player in his first full campaign at Ibrox.
He said: “This is my first time playing 50-plus games in one season.
“So I think that is an achievement for me. But I know this club already and I know you have to win.
“I’m glad to have had as many games as I have because I’ve grown as a player and become stronger. But I want to push myself.
“I’m focused on these last four games, but also looking ahead to next season as I want to come back stronger.”
Even though the championship is out of reach for Rangers, Diomande understands the significance of defeating Celtic for the supporters.
They’ve prevailed in their last two encounters, and he’s resolute to achieve a third straight win—especially with visiting Celtic fans now returning to Ibrox.
He said: “The win at Parkhead was important for our confidence going into this one.
“We always want to beat them as we know the rivalry is from a long time ago.
“We know what it means to the fans who will come to support us. For a long time they couldn’t come to support us at Parkhead.
“It was good to get that win for them. It was nice for me to score a goal against them, it’s always nice when it’s against your direct rivals.
“Sunday is going to mean something to our fans. I know they have already won the league. But we still want to win our games and we want to win at Ibrox again.
“This will be my first time also playing with the Celtic fans at Ibrox.
“I don’t know what it’s going to be like. But we play for ourselves and for our fans. We want to make the people in blue happy and we will try to do that.”
This could be interim manager Ferguson’s final Old Firm match as coach, but Diomande commended the impact he’s had on the squad—and on him personally.
He said: “He’s been good with me. I know it is a difficult moment just now for everybody. But he wants to push me and I’m trying to get better with every game.
“I keep my ears open and listen to what he has to say. When he came in he had his own ideas also but I’m sure he had been watching the games because he is a legend for Rangers.
“He knew the kind of player I was. He gave me some of his ideas and I think I’ve picked them up quickly. He gave me trust and I showed I was ready to play under him.”
Nafisa
