The process is a familiar one.
Players are wheeled out for press conferences ahead of games, and they’re obliged to endure a range of questions.
Some are mundane, others can only elicit an obvious response.
In the pre-match press conference, the trick is to provoke an interesting response on a particular issue or situation.
It’s not always easy.
The players are media-trained, and most keep their cards close to their chests.
Even in the heat of the post-match scrum last week, Danny Rohl refused to explain why his team failed in the first half.
That is between me and my players, was the message. That reflects the futility of the press conference.
Raskin and Diomande ahead of the pivotal Hearts clash
Conversely, sometimes players can say too much.
This week, Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande spoke about Rangers prospects at Tynecastle in a massive, must-win game.
Both players attempted to back their teammates and inspire confidence, but the problem is that words need to be backed up on the pitch.
“I believe we will win the game.
“We might not just win games by doing what the coach taught us or the tactical things we worked on before, said the Ivorian, who is likely to be recalled from the start after a positive second half against Motherwell.
“We need to learn from that game and go and win,” offered his Belgian teammate.
All great intentions, but can you back it up?
Supporters want actions and results, not words
This is what frustrates the supporters.
Glimpses of quality, signs of progression and steps in the right direction, only to stumble and fall.
If Rangers go to ground again on Monday, they won’t get back up in terms of the SPFL title race.
The strong words in the press conference ahead of the game mean nothing – it’s time to do the talking on the pitch.
