Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers cut a forlorn figure as they lost 1-2 to arch-rivals Celtic last weekend, missing out on the chance to win the Scottish League title.
The 29-year-old striker netted his 21st goal of the season during the Old Firm derby, narrowing the score for Rangers in their 2-1 defeat against Celtic, but his contribution ultimately proved to be in vain..
This loss further extends the point difference to six, with Rangers trailing their rivals and only two games remaining in the season.
After the game, the Nigerian international couldn't hide his disappointment as he witnessed yet another domestic title slip away to Celtic. Despite the bitter defeat, Dessers found solace in the advice of an old acquaintance, Erik ten Hag of Manchester United fame.
Having previously worked together at Utrecht, Dessers disclosed that the wisdom imparted by the former Ajax manager has served to alleviate the disappointment.
Ten Hag’s belief that you can only afford to dwell on any result in football – win, lose or draw – for 24 hours before moving on to the next assignment has proved invaluable for Dessers as he has tried to pick himself up off the floor.
Dessers draws inspiration from Erik ten Hag amidst Rangers' defeat to Celtic
In the aftermath of Rangers' defeat to Celtic, Dessers reflected on the disappointment and sought inspiration from the words of his former manager, Erik ten Hag, as he gears up for the challenges ahead.
“I had a manager, Erik ten Hag, who always said that when something happens in a football game you either mourn for 24 hours or celebrate for 24 hours. And then you have to switch your mind to the next game,” Dessers shared as per The National Scot.
He continued, stressing the need to focus on the future, stating, “I thought a couple of times about these words on Saturday and Sunday. But when you come back into this building you switch the button and you try to forget about it.”
Acknowledging the emotional toll of the loss, Dessers said, “It’s not easy because it’s there, not only in your head but also in your body. I want to switch a button and find the energy and power again to go against Dundee.”
Despite the setback, he expressed determination to bounce back, asserting, “It’s not easy that’s for sure. It’s also been a little bit emotional because you know the moments you have been through in the whole season and the things you did.
“That’s what makes it hurt even more. Like on Saturday, for example, the belief was there. You believed it and the belief was growing over these last few months.”
However, Dessers remained optimistic about the future, stating, “I want to take fuel out of this, and I hope the other guys do as well. I just want to keep going even harder for the next two games and then the cup final.
“It’s a really hard question [if we threw the title away]. If you look at the results against the other 10 teams, we got more points than them.
“Often, if not every time, it’s decided by the head-to-head games, In those the results were not enough – that’s really clear to us. It’s something we have to take into account for the future.”
Dessers further expressed his determination to improve and excel in the upcoming season, declaring, “It hurts a lot. For me personally it fuels me already. I told my girlfriend that I want to go to the next season already and do more, be better, be more brave, all of these things. That’s what we are going to need as well.”
Will Cyriel Dessers retain his place in Finidi George's squad for the World Cup qualifiers?
Dessers was included in the Super Eagles squad for the March friendlies against Ghana and Mal by Finidi George, where he managed to find the net from the penalty spot against Ghana. However, his performances in both games failed to impress fans of the Super Eagles.
With the likely availability of potent forwards such as Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Taiwo Awoniyi, Dessers faces stiff competition for a place in the squad.
Despite his goal-scoring contribution for his club, questions remain about whether he can maintain his place in the team amidst the strong competition.
As George weighs his options for the crucial World Cup qualifiers, the inclusion of Dessers remains uncertain.
While his experience and goal-scoring ability are undeniable, his recent performances may leave him vulnerable to being replaced by other in-form forwards.
Ultimately, Dessers' fate in Finidi George's squad hinges on his ability to prove himself worthy of a place amongst Nigeria's attacking options.
Dessers debuted for the Super Eagles in October 2020 during Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Tunisia in a friendly match.
To date, he has made six appearances for the national team, scoring two goals.
