Ryan Naderi says he is relishing the competition for places in the striker department for the season ahead at Rangers.
The Light Blues strengthened their forward line with the addition of Lawrence Shankland earlier this summer, enhancing Derek McInnes’ options at the club.
Speaking to the media in this afternoon’s press conference as the team prepare for their first pre-season friendly at Ibrox against AS Saint-Étienne tomorrow evening, the striker says he is embracing the battle up top for a starting berth.
He said: “It is just another challenge that comes up with football. This is how football works and how it should work in my opinion.
“You should never be able to just settle down. You should always have competition. I think that strengthens the team, and I enjoy this atmosphere at the club here as well.
“He [Shankland] is a nice, funny guy as well, who brings quality to our team, and he is doing well, and I also enjoy playing with him as well, so we will just see how the season goes, and it is a pleasure to have him here.
“Football is all about getting chances and then using them as well. Obviously I will be there; I want to play, and who doesn't want to play?
“I am confident, of course. That is why I am here; I'm not here to sit on the bench.
“Obviously, if the two guys perform better and they are better in training, then that is how football is, and that is how it should be.
“It is important to have this, but of course I want to be part of this competition and fight for my spot definitely.”
The German forward spoke of life under the new manager in the midst of pre-season with the squad recently returning from a week-long training camp in Spain.
He continued: “I like it, obviously every coach has different aspects.
“I like the mixture between authority that you respect what he says, but he is also there for a laugh. I like the combination; he gives players a good feeling, and I am enjoying working under him.
“I feel you notice that the coach has been a player here; I think that is the biggest change.
“I feel that it is always easier if you have worked with this club before. You have gone through the perspective of a player; you just know what the fans expect and how to handle those situations. I think it is obviously a big advantage.
“Obviously pre-season is about hard work and getting prepared for a long season, but I think especially with tricks and activities you do together as a team it is about chemistry as well, and I think we are doing well at that point as well, so happy with how it is.
“I think that is exactly the mixture you need; that is what I said when asked about pre-season: it is about hard work and putting in effort, but it is always easier while you enjoy doing it. This is going well so far.”
23-year-old Naderi reflected on a change in his career over the past 12 months, having joined the Gers back in January from German side Hansa Rostock. Expressing his excitement to return to the iconic stadium tomorrow evening in front of the Light Blues supporters.
He added: “It is a big difference; my old club was big as well. I don't want to disrespect them; they had a big fan base as well, but obviously with Rangers it is something new you can't compare to anything else in this world.
“It is just a privilege to play for Rangers under those fans and have this pressure as well. I think that is part of why you become a footballer because you want those moments, play in front of those crowds, and I enjoy every second of it.
“I am excited, I miss playing under the fans, and I can't wait to be at the stadium again.
“It will definitely help; I feel like having a full pre-season is always easier for a player.
“You always need a small amount of time; some need a bit longer, some need a bit less.
“It is different for every player; you need time to adapt to a new league and country as well. I am feeling better than ever.”
Buy Tickets | Rangers v Saint Étienne
MYGERS: From priority access and behind-the-scenes opportunities to special events and unique moments, MyGers brings you closer to the action on and off the pitch
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass