Rangers captain James Tavernier has sent a rallying call to his Ibrox teammates as they prepare for the defence of their Scottish Premiership title and a crack at qualification for the Champions League.
The Light Blues returned to pre-season training on Monday ahead of the new season and Tavernier insists he and his Ibrox can’t simply rest on their laurels as champions but have to continue improving.
With an even bigger target on their back than before, the Rangers skipper wants his team-mates to give “every last breath” to remain as champions.
“We are the champions, and we have got to remain that way this season, so it is down to us to give every last breath and every last ounce of energy to protect that this season,” Tavernier told Rangers TV.
“We have got to [remain focused] and add even more. We are always looking to improve and that is what we will be doing in pre-season.
“We have got to be making ourselves better and that will push us forward for this season for the Champions League qualifiers, and the boys want to aim for the group stages, and we want to do well in the league and in the cups.
“I always want to improve myself every single day and I know all the boys are as well. That is really good to see, and I want to be a better version of myself.”
Rangers pre-season fixtures will be a welcome return for Gers stars
After the summer break ended, Steven Gerrard’s stars started returning this week and head to Firhill on Monday night for the first of four pre-season friendlies.
The Gers also have trips to Tranmere and Blackpool scheduled, sandwiching an Ibrox friendly with Arsenal to mark Rangers’ 150th anniversary.
With last season’s title success now consigned to history, the Rangers players will have returned to Auchenhowie looking to repeat the feat.
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