Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has raised concerns about the team’s mental strength in light of their challenging start to the 2024/25 season. With a nine-point gap behind Aberdeen and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race, Rangers face a crucial match against Motherwell to defend their Premier Sports Cup trophy.
Current captain James Tavernier has expressed support for manager Philippe Clement, but Ferguson doubts whether the team possesses the necessary strong personalities to push for better results and ignite a turnaround.
During an appearance on the Go Radio Football Show, Ferguson emphasized the need for leaders on the field who can hold their teammates accountable and drive the team forward. He highlighted the importance of having players who will speak up when things are not going well, a quality he believes is currently lacking in the Rangers squad.
While some, like Ferguson’s former teammate Kris Boyd, have called for Clement’s dismissal, Ferguson believes there have been glimpses of progress in the team’s performances. However, he stressed the importance of consistency, especially in high-pressure situations like matches against tough opponents.
Reflecting on recent games, Ferguson pointed out moments of improvement followed by setbacks, emphasizing the need for Rangers to start strong from the beginning of matches. He highlighted the challenges of facing aggressive opponents and suggested that the team needs to better handle such situations to achieve success.
In conclusion, Ferguson’s assessment underscores the importance of mental toughness and leadership within the Rangers squad to navigate through difficult periods and deliver consistent performances. As the team faces crucial fixtures ahead, the players will need to step up, show character, and work together to turn the season around and compete at the highest level in the Scottish Premiership.