Leon Balogun explains what Rangers must do to cope in the title race against Celtic

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has explained what his team needs to do to wrestle the Scottish Premiership trophy from the grasps of eternal rivals Celtic FC.

The lanky defender who spoke with Sky Sports News Rangers needs a shift in mentality and more confidence moving forward to eventually wrestle the title from Celtic.

“We need to have a shift in mentality and build more confidence,” Balogun said.

“We need to build that through pre-season, but that’s a process that we need to work on every day by reputation mainly and gaining confidence in what you do.

“Under the manager, we’ve seen what he was able to do in a very short period of time.

“Given he now has a full pre-season to work with us to implement his ideas, that’s one factor. Apart from that, it’s what we’re about every year and the quality that’s in the team. It’s about ticking a few boxes and working on a few weak spots that we had last season and make sure they go away.” The player noted.

In the league last season, Rangers lost three games and drew one, and Balogun is aware that if they are to win their first championship since 2021, they must overcome Celtic.

“There was a title race and I think it’s fair to say both teams weren’t at their best throughout the whole season, and that made it tight in the end, but they had that edge over us and that’s what we need to focus on specifically,” he added.

“It might be pressure, it might be a mentality thing or it might be confidence but whatever it is, we have to make sure we get it out of the system in pre-season. The earlier, the better.

“If you want to be the champion you need to beat that team that is your rival. That was the stumbling stone last season and we need to make sure it doesn’t happen this (next) season.” Balogun concluded.