Emmanuel Fernandez believes Rangers' early European exits could work in their favour as they chase domestic success. The Ibrox side were knocked out of the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers early in the season as new boss Derek Mc Innes set about building a new squad.
Since then, form has turned around, with seven consecutive wins leaving Rangers second in the table and into the League Cup semi-final, where they will face Aberdeen at Hampden. League leaders Celtic play Benfica in the Europa League in Lisbon, while third-place Hearts host Nordsjaelland in the Conference League on Thursday. Rangers have had a free week to prepare for the trip to Dundee on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports, and could return to the top of the table with a win.
Asked whether the lack of European football might help domestically, the 25-year-old centre-back told Sky Sports News: "100 per cent, because less games ultimately means less injuries and more time to be ready for the weekend." He added that the group can grow closer and build more connection after a window of new signings.
Fernandez, who joined from Peterborough last July, admitted a "shaky" start to the season but says he is getting back into his groove. He credited his growing relationship with Olwethu Makhanya, the South African centre-back who signed from Philadelphia Union and won the Scottish Premiership player of the month award for September, for helping him settle. He acknowledged the team's turbulent start but insisted there is still more to come.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing