Ally McCoist, a former Rangers player, has raised concerns about the decline in the team’s standards in recent years. Despite being the runners-up in the UEFA Europa League in May 2022, Rangers seem to be struggling to keep up with the top teams in competitions. The recent 4-1 defeat to Lyon at home highlighted this issue, as Rangers were outplayed for most of the match.
Rangers’ drop into the Europa League came after they failed to progress through the Champions League play-off against Dynamo Kyiv in August. McCoist, who was honored with an OBE, pointed out the noticeable decline in the team’s performance compared to a few years ago when they could compete with top-tier teams.
Reflecting on the Lyon match, McCoist emphasized the difference in quality in the forward areas, particularly highlighting Lyon’s attacking prowess. He praised Lyon’s balance, pace, and finishing ability, which Rangers struggled to handle.
Stephen Thompson from BBC Sportsound echoed McCoist’s sentiments, suggesting that recent domestic results may have masked underlying issues in Rangers’ performances. He compared Rangers’ struggles to Celtic’s recent defeat in the Champions League, emphasizing the gap in quality players between the two teams, especially in the forward positions.
Derek McInnes, Kilmarnock boss, also noted Rangers’ lack of clinical finishing and the quality difference in the forward areas during the Lyon match. He highlighted how Lyon’s fourth goal demoralized Rangers and how the team struggled to respond.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd redirected the focus to Heart of Midlothian, praising the Edinburgh club for their victory in Europe. Boyd acknowledged Lyon’s dominance over Rangers in the recent match but commended Hearts for their performance. He emphasized the importance of giving credit to the Scottish teams that achieve success in European competitions.
Overall, the criticism of Rangers’ decline in standards, especially in comparison to their past performances, has sparked reactions from pundits and former players. The team’s recent defeat to Lyon has highlighted the challenges they face in competing with top European clubs. While there is room for improvement, acknowledging the achievements of other Scottish teams in Europe is essential in recognizing the positive aspects of Scottish football on the continental stage.