Brian Laudrup believes it's "impossible to overstate" the importance of Rangers' next two matches for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The Ibrox boss will lead his team into a Europa League quarter-final second-leg against Braga on Thursday before heading for Hampden and a Scottish Cup last four showdown with Celtic on Sunday.
And Laudrup reckons these next five days could be the defining moment of his tenure.
A 12 point swing which has allowed Celtic - who have won the last two derbies - to race six points clear in the Premiership and it's shaken some fans' faith in their manager, with Laudrup admitting there are some tough questions to be asked.
The Rangers legend reckons his old club simply must win the Scottish Cup - because he fears three successive defeats to Celtic would make public opinion hugely difficult for Van Bronckhorst to turn around.
But Laudrup insists it's also a huge opportunity for the Dutchman to get the doubters back onside.
He wrote in his Daily Mail column: "It is difficult to overstate the importance of the next five days for Rangers. The decisions made by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and the outcomes attained by his team could define the season and potentially influence the mood around Ibrox for even longer.
"This is it now. Two games that both carry huge significance but each with different consequences should they end in disappointment. The pressure is immense.
"First comes the Europa League second leg against Braga on Thursday evening. It would be absolutely incredible for a Scottish team to get to the semi-final of a European competition. We haven't seen that for 14 years.
"There is also a need for momentum. If Rangers can progress, it could catapult them into Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final with a new sense of belief. That's something I think they need right now. Because there is no question greater optimism resides at Parkhead.
"It's a key period for Van Bronckhorst. He has been in charge for five months now and I remain supportive.
"The progress in Europe has been excellent and there is always a strong argument for a manager to be given time and his own players if he is to truly thrive. As I've said before, the January transfer window didn't do him many favours.
"But I think it's fair to say Rangers fans now seem a bit divided about Van Bronckhorst after the disappointing way the Premiership campaign has progressed.
"Is he the right man to take things forward? Is he the right man to conduct the rebuild that is looming in the summer with players out of contract or in their final year? All these questions will be asked by supporters. The best way for Van Bronckhorst to answer is obviously through results this week, particularly on Sunday. He has a chance to make a positive point and get more people onside.
"Europe has been great, that's worth repeating, but there is no doubt that ending the season without silverware would be a serious disappointment."
First up is the task of overturning a 1-0 deficit from first leg defeat to Braga - and Laudrup fancies Rangers to get the job done.
But while he insists while being eliminated at the last eight stage would still be a respectable return on the continent, he can't say the same for falling short at Hampden.
Laudrup said: "I actually fancy Rangers' chances of progressing on Thursday night, but if they play well and fall short, there would be no shame in that at all. The last eight in the Europa League is still a very admirable achievement.
"But they have to win the Scottish Cup. That's what Rangers' season is depending on right now unless there is some kind of unforeseen collapse by Celtic in the Premiership. With the players they have at Ibrox, they need to secure silverware. We're not just talking about a psychological blow if they were beaten again by Ange Postecoglou's team on Sunday. It would be a major, major setback for the whole club.
"For a new manager coming in, as Van Bronckhorst did in November, three successive Old Firm defeats would also be difficult in terms of public opinion. Especially when these are games that effectively take two trophies out of reach.
"Again, I emphasise the case for time and investment where he's concerned just look at what Postecoglou has done after being allowed to build his own squad but Rangers supporters would be worried about where it all was heading. Plus, of course, there's still be another trip to Parkhead to come on May 1."
