Every word Bassey said on facing Rangers, atmosphere at Ibrox, communication with old teammates:: All Nigeria Soccer

Super Eagles central defender Calvin Bassey was on media duties on Monday evening on the eve of Ajax Amsterdam’s UEFA Champions League clash against Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox Stadium.  

 

Bassey is relishing the prospect of facing Rangers – a team he represented for two seasons before sealing a record transfer to the Dutch champions in the summer. 

 

The 22-year-old joined the Light Blues from Leicester City and went on to make sixty-five appearances in all competitions, playing a part in Rangers winning their 55th league title and qualifying for the final of last season’s Europa League. 

 

Despite criticism in some quarters that Bassey is not up to scratch, Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder has kept faith with the defender, handing him starts in all the five matches played by the club in this season’s Champions League. 

 

Ahead of the meeting with Rangers, Bassey was asked about being back in Glasgow,  the first leg in Amsterdam, difference between playing for Rangers and Ajax, the atmosphere he expects at the Ibrox Stadium, his old teammates and more. 

 

You can read everything the Ajax number 3 sad below in full : 

 

What is like to be back in Glasgow?

“It’s a nice feeling obviously. It’s nice to see familiar faces. It’s a weird feeling as well because obviously tomorrow  you just lock in and get focused on the game. I am an Ajax player and for me it’s important for us to get a win and that’s what I’m focused on.”

 

The game against Rangers at home, you guys were outstanding, everybody was really happy about the performance the way you guys played. A lot has changed since then. How do you guys deal as a team with the different sentiments around the team?

“There’s always going to be things that happen, injury or form, but for us we need to focus everyday on training, listen to the coach and making sure we are taking in what he says and doing the best we can. I think that’s what we are doing, and there’s always going to be adversity or changes in the season and it’s just about getting back to where you were. We are trying to rebuild again.”

 

What does it mean for Ajax to close the group stage with a win?

 

“Of course it is important, you want to win every single game as a player so for us it is important to win tomorrow and secure Europa League of course. It is important.”

 

You play for Ajax right now, how is it different from Rangers?

 

“I think playing style is different. The way we play it is evident to see we have two different playing styles. We are more fluid and obviously Ajax has been for years a possession-based team, exciting football and that’s what we try to give every single game, every single match. You are the ones watching it so you should be able to see the difference in playing style.”

Does it feel like a step up for you?

 

“Obviously I get to play Champions League so yes of course. When you play Champions League year in year out and the players are top quality. The Rangers players had quality as well It’s a good step.

 

Can you tell us something about the atmosphere in the stadium?

 

“It’s similar to the Arena, it is loud and jumpy. You just have to wait until tomorrow and make the comparison for yourself. It’s a very nice atmosphere. “

 

You’ve obviously played against your old teammates over in Holland. What is Rangers going to be like playing at Ibrox in front of our supporters who you are so familiar with?

 

“They are up for every game and the supporters are going to be wanting them to win. It is going to be loud and jumpy and for us it’s just to remain composed and remember what we have to do because we are here on a job, and we need to make sure we deliver tomorrow.”

You allow yourself to enjoy the occasion and look forward to it or you’re solely focused on getting the result first?

“I don’t think so. I think I just have to focus on the game. There’s obviously going to be media attention and the fans and what not but for me it’s just about focusing on the game, making sure I can do everything for the club to get the victory. 

 

Similar kind of question to my Dutch colleague – the difference in levels between the two teams. The good Rangers team you were part of going all the way to the Europa League final, can you explain the difference between being competitive in the Europa League and trying to compete in the Champions League?

“The Champions League is a step up. You see some of the teams that are in the Champions League, obviously it is a step up and you’re facing opponents with more quality, more dangerous players. Physically they are a bit better as well. It is a step up, everyone knows the history of Ajax and the players that come through, the players that are here now. There’s bundle of quality in the team.”

Calvin you had emotional European nights as a Rangers player. When you look back what are your favorite memories?

“Probably the Leipzig game, the game that got us through to the final. That was very emotional and Jimmy not being there to experience it was very emotional.”

Ajax as a club play in the Ajax way and you mentioned they are more fluid than Rangers. Do yu play with more freedom, are you still allowed to go forward as much as you enjoy.? You’ve always been grateful to your old coaches and your family,. Will they be joining you tomorrow night?

“I have some family here. I know a lot of people here and it will be nice to see them after the game because I have come here to do a job and I’ve got to stay focused and not get drawn in by all the distractions outside. I’ll say hello and hi to everyone but I ‘ll save the conversations for after the game and make sure I’m focused on the 90 minutes ahead or 95.

 

“It’s exciting. I have always wanted to learn, I’m always open to learning and I’m happy to be here, just trying to take my game to a next level. I trust in all the coaching staff and the trainer, listening to them and making sure I can deliver what he wants me to do out on the pitch. That’s what I try to do everyday.”

 

Rangers fans have been following your progress. What would you say is the biggest difference between playing in Scotland compared to playing in Holland?

 

“The biggest difference is probably the Eredivisie has more teams. The oppositions we play against are like a bit step above the Scottish League. They can hurt you so you don’t have a second to switch off, you always got to stay focused and make sure you’re doing things right, make sure you communicate more. That’s what I’m thinking of how to do, learn to communicate more and try to lead the backline. We’ve got experienced players around, experienced goalkeeper that make your life easier.”

Have you had any communication with your old teammates both after the previous meeting between the two sides and ahead of tomorrow’s match? 

“Of course we are not just friends because of football. We are friends because they are good guys and I get along with them and we have a lot in common. We speak but not really about football that much because we’ve got other things to talk about. I haven’t spoken to them leading up to this game. It’s our last game.”

 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

 

Photo Credit : uefa.com

 

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