Thelo Aasgaard has admitted there are no excuses for Rangers' failure to get their season off to a flying start on Friday night. The Ibrox side dropped points in their Premiership opener for the fourth season in a row, drawing 1-1 with Dundee United.
Fourth consecutive disappointment
Aasgaard was Rangers' best player and scored their equaliser with a superb finish. But it was not enough to earn Derek McInnes' side a victory, and the Norwegian insists the performance was not good enough.
Rangers are still trying to strengthen their squad for the campaign, while United had already played competitive games in the Premier Sports Cup. But Aasgaard insists they should still have had enough in their locker to see off Jim Goodwin's side and avoid yet another poor start to a season.
He said: "It's frustrating. For too many years now, we haven't won that first game. We showed some character to get back in the game but we should have more than enough quality to go there and win so we were disappointed at the end."
No quality excuse
The midfielder referenced McInnes' post-match message, adding: "The manager said it, we should have enough quality. I know it takes time to build some connections on the pitch. But even so, we've had a good pre-season together, so it's tough to take."
"It was our first game but we've signed some players who were right at the top of the league and they've helped make this a really good squad. We all feel together but we know we should still have what was needed to win that game."
Aasgaard's display was a major plus for McInnes on Tayside, as he netted a fantastic leveller after Lachlan Rose had put the Terrors in front. But Rangers failed to build on his goal and never really looked like taking all three points.
Bittersweet feeling
It was not the Premiership start McInnes or the Rangers fans wanted, but Aasgaard was pleased with his own contribution and says everyone at the club must stick together.
He said: "Yeah, it was great to score but it's not the same when you can't celebrate (a win) in front of the fans. It's bittersweet for me. It's nice to get on the score sheet and I always set out to do that, so I'm happy with that."
"We're working hard and trying to do our best. The manager has our support and we also felt it from the fans on Friday. We know the support is there and it's good to feel that."
