Rangers legend and trophy winning captain, Barry Ferguson, believes that the Ibrox board need to put their hands in their pocket once again to strengthen Steven Gerrard’s squad to finally secure silverware and end Celtic’s dominance as reported by The Daily Record.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer as a pundit Fergie goes on to give his thoughts on where his former club need to recruit if they are to overcome their Old Firm rivals.
So what has Ferguson said?
When asked what he feels is missing from the Gers current squad and whether or not Gerrard is still the man for the job, Fergie said:
“When you play at a big club like Rangers, you need serious mental strength. Every game is a cup final. No matter what game you play in, you’re expected to win. I think he knows himself he’ll need to go and bolster the squad.”
“He does certainly need to go and get players that can come in and handle the pressures. It’s clear that some players can’t handle it.”
“I know it’s all about winning trophies at Rangers, I totally get that. But I look at where he has taken them in the last 18 months, he’s certainly improved them. I still think there’s a bit of work to go, and he’ll know that himself.”
“I like his honesty, he’s honest in every single interview he does. He knows he’ll need to win trophies. But for me, I still think he’s the right man for the job.”
So is Ferguson correct?
Rangers have shown in the Old Firm games since Gerrard was appointed that they can match their fiercest rivals for one off occasions, the issue has been against “poorer” opposition and failing to hold onto leads at grounds like Rugby Park, Tynecastle and Pittodrie raising questions of mental strength and proving Fergie’s point.
Does the current Rangers squad lack mental strength?
Yes
No
The run to the last 16 of the Europa League also points to the players being of a good quality which causes even greater frustration amongst the Light Blues support, on one hand they can go to Braga, Feyenoord and Porto and get results but also haven’t been able to beat the team rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership on their own turf.
Gerrard will lead the charge again next season and knows that he is missing just a couple of pieces of the jigsaw required to usurp their rivals from across the city as they bid to not only halt 10-in-a-row but more importantly, win title number 55.