The Rangers are sure to finish the Scottish Premiership campaign trophyless after a bow from the Europa League on Thursday night, and are sure how Barry Ferguson’s side can rebuild, with all eyes heading towards the summer window.
The Europa League Rangers after losing to Athletic Bilbao
Garth fought every inch of grass against Bilbao during the Spanish blockbuster quarterfinals, but the quality of host and star young winger Nico Williams ultimately proved too much for them.
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One of Europe’s most in-demand young forwards was a nightmare to deal with, sealing Bilbao’s position in the semi-finals with a slow header at Ferguson’s expense.
There are many experts and supporters who are convinced that the Rangers should be awarded two penalties. One is for the tug of Siriel Deser’s dazzling shirt, and the other is for the handball in the box. The game wasn’t without controversy, especially as it was difficult for Deserz to oppose their case.
They couldn’t pass Bilbao at night, but there were promising signs from Ferguson’s men. The Ferguson men created their own potential against the extremely harsh opposition at the heavyweights of La Liga, but they didn’t have the ruthlessness to end them.
“The work rate was there, but sometimes there was no quality. After the game, I told the players about it,” Ferguson said in the Rangers’ defeat to Bilbao.
“They understand that, and this hurts, but we need to reflect a little further apart. It’s not just the players, but I’m myself, and then we need to come on Monday morning and finish the season as strong as possible.
“They were working so hard and there was no doubt about it since I walked through the door. It was just that quality in a third and the last third was just that we didn’t do well. I want to get hurt because it hurts.
Rangers players are leaning towards leaving as part of Ibrox’s overhaul
With the summer window approaching, Rangers now have to regroup and prepare for their next campaign. There, they are about to knock on old company rivals from the perch.
BBC journalist Tom English speaks to Sports Round on Thursday night after his defeat to Bilbao (via Ibrox News) suggests that the uncontracted trio Lawrence, Iannis Hagi and Nereisho Cassanwirjo – all have a market value of £5 million, according to the Transfer Mark.
“Tom Lawrence is out of contract,” he said. “(Iannis) Hagi hasn’t cut off his contract (Nereis) Casan Wiljo, (Leon) Balogun, so they may be able to do something there, but they need to get rid of more and they need to bring in more.”
However, before new arrivals arrive, the club will need to decide whether to pass Ferguson to the full-time manager role or use a hot seat alias. According to a recent report, Stephen Gerrard is one of the managers’ names in the Rangers’ job contest.