Rangers defender, Leon Balogun has outlined the key improvements his team must make to secure a positive result against Fenerbahçe in their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash.
Rangers have endured a rough patch recently, leading to the dismissal of Belgian manager Philippe Clement last week.
Balogun, who is expected to be fit for Thursday’s crucial first-leg tie in Istanbul, believes the team must step up significantly to turn their fortunes around.
The Light Blues’ struggles continued last weekend with a 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell.
Balogun started on the bench but was introduced at half-time as part of a triple substitution, with Rangers trailing after goals from Luke Armstrong and Tom Sparrow.
Despite Cyriel Dessers pulling one back after the break, Rangers could not salvage a result, leaving them 16 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Now, the 36-year-old CB is looking ahead to the European stage, urging his team to deliver a strong performance against Fenerbahçe.
“It’s a big opportunity for us on Thursday, playing away,” the CB told the Belfast Telegraph.
“It might work in our favour that we have the first leg away, especially after recent domestic results, and it could help get the supporters back on our side.”
“But we need to take at least two massive steps forward from today if we want to get a result there. It also helps that we play European football again shortly after, just a week later.
“So, it’s a huge chance and a massive opportunity for us.”
Balogun also reflected on facing José Mourinho, recalling their previous encounter in the Premier League when Brighton defeated Manchester United 3-2 on his debut.
“I think I played against Mourinho only once. That was my Premier League debut and we beat him (Manchester United) with Brighton 3-2 at home. So that is a very fond memory.
“He’s a very, very big character. A very big manager in the football world, and there’s a lot of respect that you need to have for his name.”
Beyond club football, Balogun remains open to a return to the Super Eagles.
Having consistently stated that he never retired from international duty, Balogun is keen for a recall as Nigeria prepares for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
With Nigeria struggling in their qualification campaign, securing victories in both games is crucial to keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
If fit and in form, the veteran could strengthen the defensive options for new head coach Eric Chelle, who is set to announce his squad soon.
Whether his recent performances are enough to convince Chelle remains to be seen, but the experienced defender is determined to keep himself in contention.
