Manny Fernandez has stated that Rangers manager Derek McInnes is encouraging the squad to focus on a domestic treble following disappointing exits from the Champions League and Europa League qualifying stages. The team has since secured three consecutive league victories, aiming to rebuild confidence.
Fernandez revealed that McInnes is fostering belief in the team's potential for a significant campaign, especially with a crucial Old Firm Premier Sports Cup quarter-final match on the horizon.
"Obviously, we had a bad start," Fernandez said. "Not being in Europe is difficult, so the manager speaking to us showed us that there are still three trophies that are available to win. We can be confident in that we have the possibility of doing something great."
Rangers recently defeated Motherwell 1-0 at home, despite losing captain Lawrence Shankland to a hamstring injury early in the match. Fernandez sees the team's ability to create chances, even with 14 new signings this summer, as a sign of growing cohesion.
"One hundred percent," he responded when asked if the team's togetherness was improving. "I feel the togetherness is getting better. As a team, maybe our performances have been better since the Aberdeen game. I feel there is more to come. Also, we have healthy competition for places."
Fernandez also suggested that increased confidence will lead to better chance conversion, addressing some of the team's recent wastefulness in front of goal. "That will come with time," he commented. "I think confidence is a thing as well. We may not have started the best and people's form is maybe down a bit, but, as long as we are creating chances, that is a good thing. We know that we will score these chances potentially in the next games."
Fernandez, who faced criticism earlier in the season, has held discussions with McInnes about improving his consistency. "Maybe it is just concentration in moments," he explained. "We do have chats and it's small things. Sometimes, they are ones that cause goals to come against us or attacks to come against us and it is about limiting opportunities for teams. That's the main thing we talk about."
He added, "To be fair, I don't really look into what is said about me. I just focus on myself. I try to improve and be better every day. I know when something I have done is bad and I am still growing as a player. I will improve eventually."
The 25-year-old defender is developing a partnership with 22-year-old Olwethu Makhanya at the back. Fernandez believes this defensive pairing is showing positive signs of growth, especially after a summer of significant squad changes.
"It is growing. It is difficult when new people come in and we have had a lot of changes this year," Fernandez said. "I played with a few different centre-backs last season and now there is a new one, so you learn to understand people and I feel like it is growing. I feel the team is growing as well and that's what we need. The transfer window is closed, everything settles around the club, all the anxiety about what is going on. I think everyone in the team now understands this person is going to be beside them for the foreseeable future and I think that is what you need as a team. Uncertainty over who is going to be here is a bit difficult."
Fernandez, who came off late in the match against Motherwell with a minor issue, expects to be available for the upcoming game against St. Mirren. "I just had a little niggle and didn't want to risk too much," he stated. "I just want to leave myself in a situation where I feel better for the next game."