RANGERS STAR EMMANUEL FERNANDEZ SENDS DEFIANT MESSAGE
Emmanuel Fernandez has revealed that he welcomes the pressure of playing for Rangers after overcoming criticism during the opening stages of the season.
The Nigerian defender endured a difficult start as Rangers adjusted to a new managerial era and a heavily reshaped squad.
Fernandez was criticised during the early weeks of Derek McInnes’ reign, but his performances have improved significantly alongside Olwethu Makhanya.
The defensive partnership has helped Rangers produce back-to-back clean sheets against Celtic, a remarkable turnaround considering the pressure surrounding the defence earlier in the campaign.
Fernandez has now made it clear that criticism does not frighten him.
Instead, the 24-year-old says he enjoys the pressure that comes with representing Rangers.
His confidence comes at an important moment for the club.
Rangers have built considerable momentum after defeating Celtic twice within eight days, while the defensive unit has conceded only once across their last six matches.
Fernandez was previously linked with several European clubs, including Rennes, Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
He ultimately remained at Ibrox and is now fighting to establish himself as one of the key figures in the Rangers defence.
His partnership with Makhanya could become increasingly important as the season progresses.
For Fernandez, the message is simple.
The criticism has not broken him.
It appears to have made him even more determined.