BlueMeanie
Well-Known Member
The Croatian centre-back has looked back on his first season at Ibrox and delivered his verdict.
Nikola Katic has described how anger gave way to admiration as he looked back on his first season at Rangers .
The Croatian centre-back was a virtual ever-present at the start of the season after joining from Slaven Belupo in a £1.5million deal.
But Steven Gerrard was to then leave him out of the team as Joe Worrall and Connor Goldson became his first-choice centre-back pairing.
The 22-year-old admits being dropped initially infuriated him but he has now accepted the manager was right to wield his axe.
Katic is now back in the team and won rave reviews with another fine performance in the 2-0 win over Celtic .
And in an interview back in his homeland, Katic has declared his respect for Gerrard and his love for Rangers.
He said: "There were ups and downs this season. It started well but then new signings were made and there was plenty of rotation.
"But when I sum it up, I have to remember I played 30 games. We did not concede a goal in 15 matches and lost only two. So my statistics are brilliant.
"It was my first season at this great club and when you play for an institution like this, the pressure is huge. So all in all, everything was OK.
"You know, I used to be angry when I didn’t play because I thought I deserved to. But I needed to be realistic. I had weaker matches so I was on the bench for a reason.
"Steven Gerrard says he respects me and I respect him. We have a great releationship."
Katic, who won’t play in Rangers’ last game of the season against Kilmarnock on Sunday after Gerrard gave him a break to prepare for the European U21 Championship, has looked back on a season that points to promise for the new campaign.
He accepts the failure to win a trophy is not good enough but insists progress has been made.
Katic said: "My team-mates and I are not happy with the fact we didn’t win a trophy this season. We didn’t even get into a cup final. Celtic were dominant but we are better this season than last. Also, we got more points so progress is plain to see and that is reason for some satisfaction.
"Everything is right for me in Scotland – from the club to the league. I’m at a big club where I can develop properly. Working with Steven Gerrard and his staff is a pleasure."
Katic is at home ahead of travelling to Italy and San Marino for the U21 Euros. Croatia face England, France and Romania but the defender is in bullish mood.
He told Sportske : "Gerrard gave me a one more week of a rest because of the Euros. As I left I got the work programme from the coach to work on during the summer. But right now the emphasis is on the holiday.
"We seem to have it tough and it’s a bit of a group of death. But our team is excellent and we showed in qualifying how strong we are. That’s why I am optimistic."
Nikola Katic has described how anger gave way to admiration as he looked back on his first season at Rangers .
The Croatian centre-back was a virtual ever-present at the start of the season after joining from Slaven Belupo in a £1.5million deal.
But Steven Gerrard was to then leave him out of the team as Joe Worrall and Connor Goldson became his first-choice centre-back pairing.
The 22-year-old admits being dropped initially infuriated him but he has now accepted the manager was right to wield his axe.
Katic is now back in the team and won rave reviews with another fine performance in the 2-0 win over Celtic .
And in an interview back in his homeland, Katic has declared his respect for Gerrard and his love for Rangers.
He said: "There were ups and downs this season. It started well but then new signings were made and there was plenty of rotation.
"But when I sum it up, I have to remember I played 30 games. We did not concede a goal in 15 matches and lost only two. So my statistics are brilliant.
"It was my first season at this great club and when you play for an institution like this, the pressure is huge. So all in all, everything was OK.
"You know, I used to be angry when I didn’t play because I thought I deserved to. But I needed to be realistic. I had weaker matches so I was on the bench for a reason.
"Steven Gerrard says he respects me and I respect him. We have a great releationship."
Katic, who won’t play in Rangers’ last game of the season against Kilmarnock on Sunday after Gerrard gave him a break to prepare for the European U21 Championship, has looked back on a season that points to promise for the new campaign.
He accepts the failure to win a trophy is not good enough but insists progress has been made.
Katic said: "My team-mates and I are not happy with the fact we didn’t win a trophy this season. We didn’t even get into a cup final. Celtic were dominant but we are better this season than last. Also, we got more points so progress is plain to see and that is reason for some satisfaction.
"Everything is right for me in Scotland – from the club to the league. I’m at a big club where I can develop properly. Working with Steven Gerrard and his staff is a pleasure."
Katic is at home ahead of travelling to Italy and San Marino for the U21 Euros. Croatia face England, France and Romania but the defender is in bullish mood.
He told Sportske : "Gerrard gave me a one more week of a rest because of the Euros. As I left I got the work programme from the coach to work on during the summer. But right now the emphasis is on the holiday.
"We seem to have it tough and it’s a bit of a group of death. But our team is excellent and we showed in qualifying how strong we are. That’s why I am optimistic."