WITH Halloween fast approaching it would only be right to describe Rangers’ Champions League campaign so far as a horror show.
Five defeats, 19 goals conceded, and one scored, Ibrox supporters are rightly frustrated.
Despite these glaring statistics Rangers somehow still have a chance to qualify for the Europa League, albeit a slim one, with a 5-0 victory over Ajax at Ibrox next week needed.
It has been a tough European campaign for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men and the heavy defeats have certainly resulted in a dip in confidence domestically too.
Here are five things we have learned from Rangers’ Champions League group-stage failings so far.
LACK OF PHYSICALITY
Ally McCoist was furious after Rangers’ latest defeat at the hands of Napoli and he explained how the club had lost a number of their physical talents and not replaced them. The Govan outfit lost Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Nathan Patterson in the summer window and since then, form has dipped. Physicality is certainly an issue, and, in the Champions League, it is all the clearer to see. Injuries have also been an issue in recent weeks and Connor Goldson is a huge miss. The Englishman has been a constant in the Rangers defence and in Europe they simply can’t cope without him. Filip Helander and John Souttar are both out long-term and will not return until after the World Cup. They have also been big omissions.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ELITE GULF
The run to the Europa League final last season was spectacular and as a result, the initial feeling was that Rangers would compete well in the Champions League. It hasn’t turned out that way though and the experience has been eye-opening for the Ibrox club. The gulf between the Champions League and Europa League has been clear for all to see, but with that said, a lack of planning appears to have held Rangers back. The squad simply hasn’t been well equipped enough for the test and the glaring running statistics show the team is not at the desired physical levels to compete. Big improvements are needed if the club are to make it into the competition again next term.
DEFENSIVE ISSUES
Without Connor Goldson at the back Rangers look disorganised. In their latest loss against Napoli, it was an inexperienced partnership of Leon King and Ben Davies, and they were clearly struggling. King has played more than he probably expected this term and to be fair to him domestically he has stepped up to the mark. On the European stage, it has been a different story, but that is to be expected for a player of his age. There is no doubt he will go on to great things in his career, but a few more games alongside Goldson this term would do him the world of good. Leon Balogun has been a big miss in the centre-back department and given the Ibrox club had the opportunity to extend his deal, it must go down as an error in letting him go. Davies appears to lack match sharpness and van Bronckhorst will be hoping he can step up with some crucial domestic games to come.
CHOPPING AND CHANGING
We are around a quarter way through the season but it feels as though van Bronckhorst is yet to settle on his best team. The chopping and changing of his squad on a weekly basis cannot be helping confidence in the camp. Injuries haven’t helped this cause, but it feels as though a consistent run in the starting XI could help several out-of-form players. Whether it is the defence, midfield or attack small changes week in and week out are apparent and are clearly not helping matters on the park. The jump in opponent level from league games to European ones will also be impacting those featuring. A key foundation on Rangers winning the league in the 2020/21 season and their successes last term was based around a consistent line-up. A squad is always needed, but a strong starting XI is a must first and foremost.
NO CUTTING EDGE
Antonio Colak has been impressive since arriving at the club in the summer, but he has failed to make his mark in the Champions League. This could be down to a lack of supply from the midfield, but also the level of quality he is facing. Colak has been given the nod more often than not this term with Alfredo Morelos, his nearest starting rival, off the pace physically. The Colombian started up top against Napoli last night and he was a shadow of his former self. He looked slow, he lacked the battling qualities that he once possessed and his finishing was way off the mark. Morelos is out of contract in the summer and the club face a huge decision on whether to keep him at Ibrox or not.
