The Rangers players were working under a prison-like regime with Philippe Clement in charge of the club.
That's Nacho Novo's claim, as he backed Barry Ferguson for an extended run as first team manager of his former club.
Insisting he 'knows people,' Novo believes the players love the new management team, especially after having Clement in charge.
Novo told the Scottish Sun: “I heard what it was like under Clement - I know people. And it wasn’t easy for the players.
“Now I think the players love Barry. He’s brought lots of things to the team since he’s taken over.
“Before, the team didn’t get a day off. The team didn’t even play five-asides and in training games they weren’t allowed to tackle.
“So how could anyone expect the players to be ready for a domestic game? I just didn’t get it.
“Fergie changed everything about that, and you can see the results now.
“Before there were three-hour training session too.
“That’s maybe okay in Europe but, for me personally, the players need to enjoy their football.
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“It’s not to be like going to prison!
“But that’s what it seemed like - being in prison - with no time off to spend with your family.
“Fergie has given them days off - a week off during the international break - to spend time with their families. That’s very important.
“Barry isn’t stupid, he’s worked with very good, top managers so I’m 100 percent behind him.
“He was a good player but he’s proving now that he’s a good manager.
“He’s got Neil McCann beside him, and Billy Dodds, who are both very good coaches. They have been managers before too.
“They know about the game so, for me, the club should give them one year and see what happens. Why not?
“I am not the owner of the club but that’s what I would do. We need to look after our own people.”
