Cyriel Dessers was surprised by the harsh criticism he received early this season at Rangers FC. The Belgian striker is set to play in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic on Saturday, and on the eve of that match, he spoke about his first few months in Glasgow.
"I just arrived here in the summer, but suddenly it felt like everything that happened at the club or on the field was my fault," Dessers said in an interview with the BBC.
"Sometimes it felt like I was the scapegoat. That's difficult because I was just new here. I came to a new country, trying to adjust to a new club and a new league."
In his first months, Dessers often heard from analysts and critical fans that he missed too many chances. The striker laughs about it. "I was still busy assembling my Ikea furniture and figuring out the settings on my TV, while there were people already trying to write me off here. They called me 'the worst player to ever play for Rangers' and other things."
Despite the criticism, Dessers has performed well statistically. The Belgian has 22 goals and eight assists in 52 official matches. In the past twenty years, only four players have scored more in a single season, according to the BBC. "I don't think I'm the worst player ever at this club. It does hurt when you're new here and people already want you gone or actively hate on you."
Dessers made a distinction regarding the source of criticism. "If the criticism comes from the press, I don't care that much. But when it's your own fans, it does hurt. I'm only human too. Strikers are a different breed. We're at our best when we get love. No player gets better when he's booed. Only when you get small bits of love can you grow and become better."
The early criticism he faced was unexpected and difficult to handle, especially as he was still settling into his new life in Glasgow. Dessers emphasized the challenges of adapting to a new environment, both on and off the field. "It's not just about playing football. It's about finding a place to live, getting used to a new culture, and integrating into the community. All of this takes time."
Dessers also reflected on the impact of negative comments on his mental health and performance. "Constant criticism can affect your confidence. It can make you doubt yourself and your abilities. But I tried to stay focused on my game and prove my worth on the field."
He acknowledged the support from his teammates and coaching staff, which helped him navigate through the tough times. "The support from my teammates and coaches has been crucial. They've been there for me, encouraging me to keep going and stay positive."
Looking ahead, Dessers is determined to continue improving and contributing to the team's success. "I want to keep scoring goals and helping the team achieve our goals. I'm committed to working hard and giving my best in every match."
Dessers' journey at Rangers FC highlights the importance of patience and resilience in the face of adversity. His experience underscores the need for support and understanding from fans and the community as players adapt to new challenges and strive to perform at their best.
