- Manny Fernandez opens up on the response from “shell shocked” teammates after the huge James Tavernier update this week
- The Nigerian international has praised the captain’s influence on his Rangers career so far.
- Fernandez has a crucial role to play when Rangers take on Motherwell on Sunday.
Manny Fernandez has detailed the support given to him in the dressing room by James Tavernier, describing how the captain has had his back from day one.
The Nigerian international was reflecting on the news of Tavernier’s impending exit, which came as a shock to the rest of the players.
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the game against Motherwell today, he also addressed his personal situation and speculation about hs future.
Fernandez said the noise is a good thing as it means he is playing well and being noticed, but insisted that he is happy and “loves it here” at Ibrox.
Setting the standards
Manny Fernandez will be a crucial figure in the clash against Jens Berthel Askou’s time, with Rangers yet to taste victory over the Well this season.
With just five games remaining, Rangers have very little margin for error.
Especially in front of the home crowd, in the penultimate Ibrox fixture of the campaign.
It will be interesting to see how and when Tavernier features, with the clock running down fast on his career in Glasgow.
Fernandez provided insight to how Tav has guided him since the 24-year-old arrived at the club last summer.
“I feel like, from when I first came in, if there’s someone that I’ve had in my corner, it was Tav,” he said, speaking ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Motherwell.
“I feel like he’s supported me in moments where I need support and even from when I began playing, he was someone pushing for me to play.
“Whilst he’s on the pitch, you know what he gives and what he provides to the team, his leadership. It’s amazing and it’s something that we all need in the dressing room.
The former Peterborough defender went on to describe his early struggles, and how the captain’s influence has assisted his ascent in recent months.
“When I first signed, it was a difficult moment for me. I didn’t know what I was coming into. The size of Rangers, you never really understand, but I feel like his calm leadership carries you through.
“He’s not a loud person, he’s not very prominent in the way he goes about things, but the way he conducts himself is very good. It makes things easier for you, it keeps you calm. Even on the pitch, it makes you feel like you can just play your game.
“I remember when Danny Rohl came in, there was a period around the Hibs away game. Around that time, Tav had a chat with me, saying he thought opportunities were coming soon.
“And then I think it was the game after that, just after the international break, when I ended up playing against Livingston,” the game in which Tavernier assisted a goal from Fernandez.
“Moments like that lift you as a player. Your teammates show trust in you to go out and perform. You have to be grateful for that. You’ve got to be grateful for moments like that.”
All a bit shell-shocked – Manny Fernandez
With Tavernier’s decision coming last week, following initial interviews in which he stated he could play for another two or three years, his teammate confirmed that the massive update wasn’t expected.
“I feel like we all know what we need to do towards the end of the season. This would be the perfect send-off for him if we could lift the title,” he said.
“When you leave a club after 10 years, the best way to go is by lifting the title, lifting it in front of the fans and having people remember your legacy.
“It was a tough moment when Tav gave us the message. I think we were all a bit shell-shocked. No one really spoke after that.
“But we all congratulated him at the end and showed our love. It made us realise that now we’ve got to really kick on for the rest of the season and bring something back for him.”
