The Rangers Football Club is in a difficult position ahead of this season. Now, though, they sit 15 points adrift of their bitter rivals, Celtic, in the Scottish Premiership. The team has faced challenges on the home front, enduring frustrating exits in the Scottish Cup and League Cup. Yet, thanks to the managerial know-how of Barry Ferguson, Rangers have proven cantankerous and hard to break down, with a keen eye for the European tie.
In what you would have considered the unthinkable, Rangers indeed crashed to a humiliating home loss to Championship outfit Queen’s Park. This loss ultimately cost them the Scottish Cup. This loss has put them very much under the spotlight, with calls to question their performance and inconsistency in domestic matches. Against Celtic in the League Cup final, they lost again. This loss sank them further into the abyss and sent their fans clamoring for a miraculous change.
Since Ferguson took over the reins, Rangers have not been afraid to make a change. Defensively, the team has been a mess. Indeed, when playing a back-four formation, they’ve conceded at least two goals in every one of their Premiership games. In European competition, they have fully leaned into the physical, back five-fueled approach. This is a departure from the 4-3-2-1 formation they usually deploy in domestic play.
Rangers will now turn their attention to a vital Europa League quarter-final second leg against Athletic Club, which is set for Thursday night. It’s hard to overstate how much the team’s play in Europe has contrasted from their domestic half. Rangers had an even bigger mountain to climb having played four of the other seven top seeded teams through to the league phase of the Europa League. Even with this fierce competition, they proved their grit and tenacity to advance mightily through the tournament.
As they head into the quarter-final tie with Celtic, Rangers still have to stick with their intelligent game plan and remain focused. Ferguson said he was looking forward to the match, highlighting the special atmosphere and opportunity that is in front of his players.
“I am excited about getting into that sort of atmosphere. What an opportunity we’ve got. The game’s wide open.” – Barry Ferguson
Rangers have had some issues with the home crowd. In European matches, they have had a solid defense, averaging just a goal in a match conceded. Yet they’re only three games away from being in another European final. Pulling off this monumental task might just save their season and fill the players and fans with a newfound belief.
Injury worries are major as the team heads towards the crucial game. Forward Inaki Williams has been instrumental, scoring 11 goals this season. He is a big question mark for the return leg due to a hamstring strain. His long-term absence may well end up being the fatal blow to Rangers’ attacking depth as they look to go even deeper in the competition.
Ferguson, for his part, doesn’t underestimate the work in front of them, but likes their chances. He knows better than anyone that it’s tough competing against teams with the quality of Athletic Club. Regardless, he is still looking forward to next week’s match.
“I am excited about going, but I’m also respectful. It’s going to be tough for us. But as a footballer, as a manager, I’m excited about it,” – Barry Ferguson
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