Barry Ferguson made an impactful start as the head coach of Rangers, guiding his team to a thrilling 4-2 victory against Kilmarnock. Following Philippe Clement's departure, Ferguson took over the reins with the objective of reinvigorating the team and rekindling the connection with supporters. His debut match saw Rangers recover from a two-goal deficit, a performance that showcased resilience and determination.
The game at Kilmarnock was nothing short of dramatic. Rangers found themselves trailing 2-0, struggling to gain momentum. However, Ferguson's strategic decision to substitute Clinton Nsiala with Yilmaz after just 30 minutes turned the tide. This tactical change proved pivotal, as it transformed the team's dynamics and sparked a spirited comeback.
Ferguson expressed satisfaction with the team's response following the substitution, emphasizing the display of fight and desire in the second half. He urged his players to maintain this level of intensity throughout the season. Despite the promising start, Ferguson remains grounded, acknowledging that this is merely the beginning of a challenging journey. Rangers currently trail Celtic by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership, emphasizing the need for continued effort.
"Absolutely brilliant, I think the first half an hour he'd [Ferguson] be really disappointed with but certainly after that there was a great reaction from the team." – Steven Davis
The victory against Kilmarnock has been seen as a positive sign of Ferguson's leadership. Former Rangers captain Steven Davis praised Ferguson's debut, noting the team's impressive recovery despite initial setbacks. Similarly, former Scotland striker James McFadden highlighted the evident heart and desire displayed on the pitch.
Ferguson's coaching experience, coupled with his illustrious playing career where he secured 15 trophies, is expected to be a significant asset in his new role. His debut success has sparked optimism among supporters and former players alike, as they anticipate further progress under his guidance.
"As much as he wouldn't have wanted to have to come from two goals down, these fans have certainly enjoyed it." – Steven Davis
Kris Boyd lauded Ferguson's tactical adjustments, crediting him for orchestrating Rangers' comeback. Boyd acknowledged the challenges faced by the team but commended their dominance in the second half. He also pointed out that while the performance was commendable, persistent vulnerabilities at set plays remain a concern.
"You've got to give credit to the players that Barry Ferguson obviously made the substitution, brought on Yilmaz, moved a few players around and then you've seen Rangers click and get a good goal just before half-time." – Kris Boyd
As Ferguson settles into his role, he faces a series of challenging fixtures against Motherwell, Fenerbahce, Celtic, and Dundee. His appointment aims to lift the team's spirits and restore their competitive edge in the league. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining Rangers' trajectory under his leadership.
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