Rangers Struggle with Champions League Exit and Mounting Pressure
In the world of European football, the news of Rangers’ Champions League hopes being dashed has sent shockwaves through the football community. Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has been vocal about the club’s current struggles, stating that they are in a “bad place” and the talk of them being a “project” is misplaced.
Rangers’ 2-0 defeat against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday night, which resulted in a 3-1 aggregate loss, has left the club’s supporters frustrated and concerned about the team’s direction. The dismissal of Jefte in the second half was seen as a turning point, but according to Boyd, the issues for Rangers ran deeper.
“Even before the red card, they weren’t playing that well,” Boyd said. “Top teams in top countries dominate the ball and can keep the ball for large periods. I don’t see that with Rangers, everything is 100mph getting the ball forward. When you’ve got better players than the opposition, you need to keep the ball.”
The former Rangers striker also addressed the ongoing situation with the club’s stadium, stating that the delay in materials arriving from Asia for the Copland Road Stand at Ibrox has “come back to cost Rangers again.” He believes the lack of a true home atmosphere at Hampden Park, where the match was played, was a contributing factor to the team’s struggles.
With the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and Women’s World Cup on the horizon, the pressure on Rangers to perform at the highest level is mounting. The club’s supporters are accustomed to dominating Scottish football, but the narrative suggests that Celtic may be the team to beat for the foreseeable future.
Boyd’s assessment of the situation is blunt, stating that Rangers “need to win” and that the “project” talk is misplaced. The club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification will have a significant impact on their ability to invest in the squad and generate the necessary funds to compete at the highest level.
As the new season in the Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup unfolds, the spotlight will remain firmly on Rangers and their ability to turn things around. The Africa Cup of Nations standings will also be closely watched as the continent’s top teams vie for glory.
🔗 Source