Many Rangers supporters have questioned why James Tavernier did not front up post-match following the debacle against Liverpool.
After the 1-7 hiding, manager Gio van Bronckhorst faced several questions at the press conference whilst Scott Arfield also spoke briefly to Rangers TV.
Some would say that it’s a captain’s job to be speaking out to the fans, putting across the feelings of the dressing room and in some way, to explain what just happened. That is if such a thing is possible in the heat of the moment and especially after such a damning defeat like the one that unfolded in the second half at Ibrox last night.
However, James Tavernier was not available for press duties as he had another obligation to fulfil, as stated below.
Rangers captain James Tavernier didn’t speak after the game last night – but not because he was ducking responsibilities. He’d been selected for random drug testing 🔵
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) October 13, 2022
Disappointment
The step-up in quality playing the likes of Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax has been an obvious one and a bridge too far for this current Rangers team over the course. Having played four of the six Champions League group games, the team has only impressed in too few brief spells with quality moments like Scott Arfield’s strike against Liverpool being lost among the deluge of goals conceded and the general low quality evidenced by Gio van Bronckhorst’s team.
Scrutiny has also came the way of the skipper, Tavernier, and rightly so. He has been unable to make an impact with lesser attacking forays up the pitch whilst generally being overawed in defence against opponents at this level.
Still two games to go but very little optimism or desire for what comes next. The thought of Napoli away is one that can wait for now.