admin“Complete lost”- James Tavernier in brutally honest Rangers verdict after Braga draw
Rangers captain James Tavernier admitted their draw with Braga felt more like a defeat.
The hosts were forced to settle for a 1-1 result after Gabri Martinez’s second-half strike wiped out Tavernier’s first-half penalty.
“It almost feels like a loss,” Tavernier said.
The skipper defended teammate Nasser Djiga, whose mistake led to the equaliser.
“I’ve got no complaints with Nasser. Everyone makes errors, but we should have put the game to bed before that moment,” he continued.
Tavernier stressed that wearing the Rangers shirt comes with a standard that must be met every match.
“As a Rangers player, you’re expected to win every single game — that’s what the fans demand, no matter who the opponent is. From now until the end of this competition, that’s what we have to deliver.
“It’s definitely not finished. We need to be much more clinical in attack. I know that if we keep a clean sheet, we win, but with ten men against us, we should’ve had the match wrapped up.”
Tavernier’s goal moved him level with club icon Ally McCoist in European competitions, but he said the milestone didn’t mean much in the moment.
“It feels like nothing right now because the game has just finished,” he said. “I’ll reflect on achievements when my career is over. Right now, I wanted the win and the three points. If I can help the team, I always will.”
Rangers now shift focus back to domestic football, as they prepare to host Falkirk at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
admin
