Olwethu Makhanya has admitted Rangers have made a “really bad start” as the Gers look to respond to their disappointing European exit to Jablonec with a much-needed win against Aberdeen this afternoon.
Rangers return to Scottish Premiership action at Pittodrie just days after their penalty shootout defeat in Czechia.
The result brought an end to their European hopes and left Derek McInnes demanding an immediate response from his players.
The South African defender echoed his manager's sentiments before kick-off, insisting the Rangers squad are fully aware of the need to move on quickly and focus on the challenges ahead.
“Everyone is aware that we're coming back from a very disappointing result,” Makhanya told Rangers TV.
“The mood right now is to focus on all the games that are coming. Right now, the focus is just trying to flip the narrative and try to turn things around for us.
“Fans are frustrated. We also have expectations of ourselves that we need to meet. It's going to be very important for us to win this game today.”
Makhanya expects a demanding afternoon against Aberdeen, with the Rangers defender anticipating a physical and high-intensity contest at Pittodrie.
“I think it's going to be a very physical game,” he said.
“Given the fact that they don't really like us that much, we're expecting a really physical game, high intensity, but yeah, we're ready for it all.
“It's very important for us to get back to our ways and show character and be who we are.”
Makhanya admits Rangers must improve
Makhanya has established himself as a regular in McInnes' side since arriving at Rangers, but the defender was candid when assessing his own start compared with the team's performances.
Asked how he had found his run of games personally, Makhanya admitted he would not describe his individual beginning as bad.
“For me, I would say personally, I wouldn't say it's been a bad start,” he said.
“But as a whole, which is more important, the team, I feel like it's been a really bad start.
“There are really high expectations when you play for a team like Rangers. “
With McInnes calling for his side to play with the “right amount of aggression” at Pittodrie, Makhanya's comments underline the collective response Rangers are seeking.
The Gers have made changes for the Aberdeen fixture, with Kim Min-Su handed his starting debut and Cammy Devlin, Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland also coming into the XI. Nicolas Raskin remains out the matchday squad.
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