Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst secured a Hampden return with a win over Dundee but celebrations were hard to come by in Govan.
The insipid 1-0 victory over the Championship side led them into the last four of the Premier Sports Cup, but it only fuelled growing agitation over how Rangers are currently playing. The two key gripes voiced by the Ibrox public surround the displays in their Champions League pastings and the uninspired domestic form which has left punters vexed. Despite a bulging injury list, Van Bronckhorst understands a trip to Hampden and being only two points behind Celtic are only cruxes IF the displays on the pitch improve.
His time in charge includes a thrilling run to the Europa League, a first Scottish Cup win in 13 years and ending an 11-year absence from the Champions League. But operational highlights don't tell the full story and the Dutchman is facing a battle to win back hearts and minds as the boos rained down on him on Wednesday night.
Record Sport runs the rule over the complaints as fans want more.
Slow and steady over Aye Ready!
It was dubbed the 'Horseshoe' by miffed Feyenoord fans, and now Ibrox punters have a feeling they're watching their team in slow motion. The theory in Rotterdam was that Van Bronckhorst's team became reliant on moving the ball slowly across the defence and then going back the other way during at a similar leisurely pace - something the opposition twigged. That has been a major gripe from the regulars during domestic games for a while now and it came to the boil against Dundee.
Multiple games this season have followed a similar pattern, with Rangers huffing and puffing in games against Dundee United, Motherwell and Wednesday night's slog only added to the ever-growing list. Rangers fans desire bold not bored, and they reckon the current side are coming up short.
Transfer alarm bells
Ross Wilson can never be accused of lacking a forward-thinking approach, with the Rangers sporting director operating a modern way of working which includes transfer summits and a player trading model which aims to find gems to replace departed stars. No one can downplay Antonio Colak's fearsome goal contribution, however, the jury remains out on Malik Tillman, Rabbi Matondo and Ridvan Yilmaz - while long-term injuries to Tom Lawrence and John Souttar have dulled their impacts. The summer signings have yet to yield rewards.
Connor Goldson's significant injury cannot be downplayed and there's a belief among supporters the lack of depth in central defence behind Ben Davies and Leon King could sting before the World Cup. A remedy must be found.
Looking over the fence
Rangers and Celtic are in a never-ending race for superiority on the pitch and off it - that's Glasgow rules and they are unlikely to be rewritten anytime soon. And while diehards on both sides rail against dishing out the compliments, there's no doubt Celtic under Ange Postecoglou operate with an intent which some Rangers punters, if pushed for an answer, would likely admit is what they expect at Ibrox. Postecoglou's Celtic, like Rangers, have struggled for results in the Champions League but their two comprehensive wins at Celtic Park in the calendar over the Light Blues have been based on a warp speed brand of football which has left the viistors bereft of answers. It feels like the Europa League Finalists aren't doing anything quickly as they struggle to regain their best form.
Where's the fun gone?
And that leads us into our next bone of contention. There appears a lack of creative freedom for players to strut their stuff. That's no major surprise amid the Champions League shellackings and the waning performances at domestic level. But former stars and supporters are in agreement that there's a sense of duty rather than enjoyment when tuning into the current side. Formulaic patterns of play have been the way and creative sparks such as Ryan Kent and the aforementioned Tillman, in the main, have been dulled.
A time to be bold
Van Bronckhorst pulled no punches post-match and admits the only way they can quiet dissenting voices is with a rousing return to form against Livingston. But how does he do it? A subtle revamp or a full blown revolution? The latter is complicated by the mounting injury latest which leaves Van Bronckhorst short in several key areas. But there's no doubt now is the time to change tactics or personnel to give themselves a jolt. And let's not forget Van Bronckhorst has weathered storms in the past - he endured seven consecutive league defeats with Feyenoord in the season before he secured Eredivisie title glory.
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