Glasgow Rangers Drop Points In Europa League Frustration
A light reflection on Rangers' disappointing draw in the Europa League, highlighting issues with leadership, balance, and overall squad quality.
A Missed Opportunity
Another poor and disappointing Thursday Europa League night for Glasgow Rangers, and once again we let points slip away. From a position of strength, we managed to drop two points, which is becoming a familiar and frustrating pattern. At no stage did the match feel comfortable, even at 1-0 up with the opposition reduced to ten men. There was always a sense that the lead was fragile, and the players never looked convincing in protecting it.
Early Belief Fading
I was one of those who put most of our problems on Russell Martin, believing that with the right manager and system these players would finally show their true ability. However, it is now plain to see that far deeper issues exist within this squad. The performances are telling their own story, and the hope that a new coach would instantly solve everything has faded quickly.
Leadership and Creativity Concerns
We have a lack of leadership all over the park. There is no one who consistently brings a spark, takes a gamble or tries something beyond the usual safety-first approach. When the game needs controlled, too many players shy away. Defensively we remain weak, and a £3.5 million centre half still does not look ready for SPFL level, never mind the Europa League. The £10 million loan centre half must have had some highlights reel to justify that kind of money, because he certainly has not shown that level of quality here.
Midfield and Attack Falling Short
The midfield has plenty of snap at times, but there is a lack of real quality on the ball and very little in terms of genuine creativity for the forwards. Our three-man strike force, which cost the best part of £16 million, may be starved of service, but they also do not look as if they could hit a coo's ar%e with a banjo at the moment. One winger who started the season well now flatters to deceive. Then you throw in two substitutes, costing over £6 million between them, who offered nothing when they came on, and it becomes even more obvious how unbalanced and unreliable this squad really is.
Danny Röhl's Difficult Task
I like Röhl and the ideas he is trying to bring, I did not think the starting line-up was right from a balance perspective, and several substitutions either came too late or simply failed to change the game. He is dealing with a group that does not seem fit for purpose, and the shortcomings across the park are there for everyone to see. Still, we keep the faith and move on to Sunday, hoping we can maintain our domestic momentum and at least find some consistency at home while the bigger problems continue to be addressed.
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