Former Rangers star Ronald de Boer has voiced concern over his old club’s struggles, describing their current form as “big time” worrying.
Meanwhile, Ally McCoist remains hopeful that the appointment of new chief executive Patrick Stewart can help steady the ship at Ibrox.
The Light Blues find themselves in a precarious position, trailing Celtic by 11 points in the Scottish Premiership after a frustrating home draw against Dundee United.
The pressure is mounting on manager Philippe Clement, whose next test comes in the form of a Europa League clash against Nice in France on Thursday.
De Boer, who enjoyed a successful four-year spell at Rangers, believes Clement and his squad must find a way to reverse their fortunes or face the inevitable backlash. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutchman said:
“If it doesn’t go well he will have a lot of criticism. That’s the way it is with Rangers. Losing a lot of games, not playing particularly well, it’s frustrating and that’s why you’re under pressure as a manager and you have to accept that and turn it around.
“Hopefully he can do it but they have to find a way again. They did well in the beginning of the season but now they’re struggling big time and that is something you have to deal with. The pressure is high and they have to see a way to turn that around, but it’s going to be difficult.”
McCoist: Stability Key Under New CEO
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist highlighted the importance of Stewart’s appointment, noting his experience from Manchester United as a step forward for Rangers’ off-field structure. He said:
“You’ve got to have stability at the top. Any club has to have stability at the top.
“They’ve obviously appointed the new chief executive who has good experience at Manchester United. I don’t know an awful lot about him but it’s a step in the right direction. The first thing they have to do is get stability at the op and they seem to be doing that.
“You never say never but the league looks miles away. But bizarrely enough their better performances have been in Europe so far this season.
“Great performance in Malmo, beat Steaua Bucharest 4-0 and a very good performance in Greece where they should have won the game.
Looking ahead to the League Cup final against Celtic, McCoist conceded Rangers would go in as underdogs but stressed the unpredictable nature of the rivalry could work in Gers favour and probably see them beat Celtic to the title.
“That’s been their better performances. They’ve got a League Cup final coming up against Celtic which is going to be a big ask because their record hasn’t been good. Can they win it? Of course they can, it’s a Rangers-Celtic game and anything can happen but they’ll certainly start the game as second favourites.
“But I’ve said all along performances and results haven’t been good enough but the players have got to be scrutinised and criticised for the lack of consistent performances, as does the manager.”
