Fernandez unfazed by critics – TimesNG.com.ng

Super Eagles and Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has responded to criticism of his performances following a slow start to the 2026-27 season, insisting he does not pay attention to what is being said about him, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The centre-back, who joined Rangers from English club Peterborough United last summer, enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, helping the Gers challenge for the title before they eventually finished behind Celtic and Hearts. His performances earned him the club’s Men’s Player of The Season award, while he was also Rangers’ only representative in the PFA Scotland Team of The Season.

However, the defender has struggled to replicate that form this season and has faced criticism, particularly following Rangers’ disappointing Europa League qualifying campaign, which ended in elimination and left the Scottish giants without European football for the first time since 2017.

Speaking ahead of Rangers’ clash with St Mirren, Fernandez said he remains focused on improving himself rather than dwelling on outside criticism.

“I don’t really look into what is said about me. I just try to focus on myself and try to improve to be better.”

Every day I want to be better, and I know when something I’ve done is bad, and I know that I need to improve on it. But I’m still growing as a player, and it’s something I know I will improve on eventually,” the Nigerian defender said, via The Scottish Sun.

“Maybe it’s just concentration in moments. Like, if we do have a chat, it’s concentration in moments and the small things. Sometimes they’re the ones that could cause a goal to come against us, or an attack to come against us. It’s about limiting opportunities for teams to have attacks against us. That’s the main thing we talk about.”

Rangers have won three games in a row and are gradually recovering from their slow start to the season. Fernandez said the togetherness within the squad has improved, despite the disappointment of missing out on European football.

“I feel like the togetherness is getting better. And I feel like, as a team, maybe our performances haven’t been better from the Aberdeen game, but we’ve grown as a team. We’re growing, and I still think there’s more to come.

“Look, obviously we had a bad start not being in Europe. It was difficult. The manager spoke to us and showed us that there’s still three trophies that are available to win. We have a domestic charge that we can still push for and be confident, where we have the possibility of doing something great,” he said.

Fernandez will be hoping to continue his recent resurgence when Rangers host St Mirren, as they look to extend their winning run to four games.