Andreas Skov Olsen says Scottish football never suited him. His comments bring the curtain down on a Rangers loan spell that never really worked.
He spoke during the Denmark international break. Skov Olsen admitted he did not get the best from his time at Ibrox. The winger believes the style of football simply did not suit his game. He explained his experience in Glasgow with real honesty.
“It was perhaps not the right football for me, and personally I didn’t get the best out of it as I had hoped. It just wasn’t the right match football-wise.”
It is a frank admission from the Danish international. He arrived with plenty of promise in January. However, his loan spell never really caught fire. Supporters who watched it unfold will not be surprised by his assessment.
Official loan details and statistical return from January arrival
Rangers signed Skov Olsen on loan from Wolfsburg in January. The deal included an option to buy for around £9 million. The move brought a Danish international with plenty of attacking threat to Ibrox. Derek McInnes hoped his direct style and end product would improve Rangers’ attack.
The numbers tell a different story. Skov Olsen made 11 appearances across all competitions. He scored once and provided three assists. That was a modest return for a potential £9 million investment.
Rangers ultimately decided against triggering the option. Supporters had also noticed him slipping out of the picture. We tracked that pattern in his struggle for regular minutes earlier in the year. It now brings the Andreas Skov Olsen Rangers chapter to a close.
Tactical breakdown at Wolfsburg and squad impact at Ibrox
Tactics also played a part in his Wolfsburg exit. The Bundesliga club moved away from a system built around wingers. That pushed Skov Olsen into a deeper role. He never felt comfortable there.
“Wolfsburg switched to not playing with wings, so I ended up playing very far back, even though I’m not a right-back.”
He also pointed to a change of manager.
“That’s how it goes in football, depending on which coach comes in. You never know, but in my case it might not have been the most optimal.”
The same issue followed him to Ibrox under McInnes. Rangers used him in several attacking and wide positions. The club was still searching for a settled attacking shape. Competition for places was also strong.
As a result, Skov Olsen never established himself as a regular starter.
Istanbul Başakşehir move signals fresh start for Danish winger
Wolfsburg later deemed Skov Olsen surplus to requirements. He joined Istanbul Başakşehir on loan. The move followed earlier reports on his exit options and interest from elsewhere.
Skov Olsen already sounds happier with his new surroundings.
“Now I’m happy to have come to a place where I play on a team that wants to play football that suits me, and with a coach who believes in me.”
He has also welcomed the attacking approach under his new manager.
“I’ve been longing for that, so it’s great. We have a really good team with a great coach who wants to play good, offensive football.”
Looking back on his career, Skov Olsen described it as a search for the right fit.
“It (his career) has been a special journey where I tried to find my way without completely succeeding in getting the results I hoped for.”
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