Ferguson on Uefa charge, Cerny chat & Dens Park trip

[ASFN Admin]

Rangers head coach Barry Ferguson has been speaking to the media before his side's match against Dundee on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• After Uefa punished Rangers with a suspended partial stadium closure, Ferguson says he echoes the strong message put out by the club, who condemned the banner and are in the process of banning the individuals responsible for life.
• He adds it would be a huge shame if the actions of a minority of supporters ended with the closure of the Copland Stand as the most important thing is that "fans stay inside the stadium".
• Ferguson revealed he had a "private chat" with forward Vaclav Cerny, who was filmed squirting water towards the main stand at Celtic Park after Rangers' late winner in the recent derby. That discussion will remain in-house but Ferguson wants his players and staff to celebrate goals and wins.
• With Cerny's loan period ending in the summer, and the club having an option to buy, Ferguson would "love to see him staying here" but declined to comment on whether he has any influence on plans for next season, or whether he would want the manager's job longer term.
• He reiterated his belief Rangers have been "too nice" this season but declined to reveal how he's managed to effect a change in mentality recently, simply saying: "That's my secret."
• He says the upturn in performance levels hasn't gone unnoticed within and outwith the club and the players "need to continue to turn up and produce performances. It's not all about nice, pretty football. They're starting to learn that. We were far too nice."
• The two key things for Ferguson? "Intensity and high standards." He accepts that "change is difficult" for players but feels they've done a great job responding to what he's asked them to do.
• On the prospect of facing Dundee in Saturday's late kick-off, Ferguson describes them as a good team, with a good manager, who were on a bad run until a "brilliant" performance and result at neighbours United in the derby.
• Ferguson accepts "games away from home haven't been to the standard expected" for Rangers this season and this weekend is a chance to start to put that right.
• On Nicolas Raskin, who has impressed for Rangers and made his Belgium debut last week, Ferguson says: "Nico has potential to play at the highest level - his best years are still in front of him. He has been top class for me but he needs to make sure he continues that and continues to produce performances."
• "One or two" players are doubtful for the trip to Dens.

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