The left-back sat down exclusively with RangersTV at the Netherlands training camp and says it has been a tough first few weeks of pre-season under Philippe Clement.
He said: “I am a little bit tired but that is normal in pre-season, we are working hard under the sun. After the break it is always tough, but we had training from the club to complete in the break with gym and running because we need the preparation. In the first couple of weeks, it was very tough, and it is still tough, but it is good for the new season, we need to be ready because when we start the league it will be very busy, so we are pushing ourselves.
Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign on a personal level, Ridvan continued: “For me, this season is very important. The first season when I came here, I couldn't get too much game time to be honest, I got injured and there were some difficult things. Last season was quite good, but it can be better so this season will be important for me and I am working hard to help my teammates and hopefully it will be a good season for me.”
Rangers played Standard Liege on Wednesday in the first of two friendlies during the camp, with Ajax next up tomorrow afternoon.
He added: “It was tough the Liege game to be honest, we are still in the pre-season, and it is important to get ourselves to 100 percent.
“It was a good game, but you could see that we were tired because we have been training hard. We have Saturday against Ajax, and it will be tough, but it is important for the new season.”
You can watch a short trailer below or RangersTV can watch the full interview with Ridvan here.