Leon Balogun joined Rangers for the second time after leaving Queens Park Rangers. He originally signed with the Rangers in the summer of 2020.
Super Eagles centre-back Leon Balogun has finally spoken out about his exclusion from Rangers’ UEFA Europa League squad, Soccernet.ng reported.
The 35-year-old originally joined Rangers from Brighton & Hove Albion and made 65 appearances for the Teddy Bears before moving to QPR in the summer of 2022.
He returned to Rangers in August 2023, but barely featured in the club’s league games and was also left out of the club’s UEFA Europa League squad by then manager Michaele Biel.
Beer fell out of favor within the club’s hierarchy, and Philippe Clement was appointed as the team’s coach, parting ways. The arrival of the 49-year-old Belgian brings new hope to the club and Leon Balogun.
The 1.9m defender played against Dundee despite being thrown a lifeline, performed as if he were at his best and started in the club’s next game, which they beat 3-1 last weekend. I was happy to be able to participate and come back.
“I’m very happy now. It’s been a pretty tough couple of weeks. Balogun said in a quote published in the Scottish Sun: “I’m very happy as a team “I’m no longer on the active team, so I’m really grateful to be back.”
The former Mainz 05 midfielder was grateful for the opportunity and had to be patient and keep training and getting stronger for the team.
“I’m very happy that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity. I’m just happy. Of course, it was an awkward situation where I started overthinking things. I’m not the type to bury my head in the sand and give up. There wasn’t, so I just tried to be patient and do what I had to do in training.”
Nigerian players are happy with life under their new manager, who he describes as Philippe Clement, who is demanding.
“He’s very demanding. When you look at his height and presence, it’s different and it’s not a dig at Mick Beale. They’re two completely different characters. And he has standards, but he gives you a good level of confidence.”
Balogun is looking forward to playing more games for Rangers and joining the UEFA Europa League squad if he is eligible.
