In preparation for the challenge against Aberdeen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst continued to say the right things about what his team should be doing, but they are not responding on the pitch.
Over the last few games, the output has been dismal. Rangers have been a team lacking inspiration, determination, enthusiasm, flow and much more.
Two very narrow wins over Motherwell and Dundee have been interrupted by draws against Livingston then the midweek loss in Napoli. Last Saturday at Ibrox was hard to take but it was a result that was coming due to the lethargy of the performances. That it was at Ibrox with the hosts dominating possession made it even more frustrating but Gio’s team had no ideas in terms of overcoming a prepared and resolute opponent.
The latest Champions League reverse was sadly expected because of those shortcomings that aren’t any closer to being resolved. Yes, the manager has had to contend with injuries to some key players but that is only part of the story. There is no ongoing evidence to support a turnaround of the slump whilst his words of encouragement are ringing hollow.
Speaking on Friday, Gio said all the right things but the components he called for are posted missing from his side, continually:
“They’re (the fans) not agreeing with what’s happening on the pitch so that’s why we have to start well, organised with energy, creating chances, positive thinking forwards and be aggressive. That’s how we need to start tomorrow.”
Respond
The line above was part of an answer to the question of getting the supporters onside tomorrow, in what will be a tough game, against a backdrop of growing discontent from the Ibrox stands.
It really is simple. The team simply must respond and show signs of a potential recovery or if more of the same continues as well as any further dropped points, the response from the supporters will be ferocious.