Barry Ferguson’s return to Rangers ended in disappointment as the team fell to a 2-1 defeat against Motherwell.
After rallying from 2-0 down to secure a win against Kilmarnock earlier in the week, expectations were high for Ferguson’s first game in charge at Ibrox. However, costly mistakes once again proved to be Rangers’ undoing, leaving little time for the team to recover as they prepare for their upcoming Europa League fixture.
Rangers star blasted for Motherwell performance:
The latest Scottish Premiership defeat has done little to lift the mood following the departure of Philippe Clement. While the result was a significant boost for Motherwell, Rangers have faced heavy criticism.
Former Scotland international Michael Stewart singled out Jefte for his performance, particularly his lack of defensive awareness during Motherwell’s second goal.
The left-back, who had recently been linked with a move to the Premier League, made a costly error that allowed Sparrow to score, raising questions about his readiness for such a high level.
“Lacking concentration with the ball, but look at Motherwell, they’re popping this about. Comfortable, loads of space, and then this with Sparrow out here. What Jefte is doing, I’ve got no idea. He’s actually tucking in and making that ball to Sparrow even easier,” Stewart said on BBC Sportscene after the match.
“But you see here when he’s got the ball, if you don’t recognise it just before, he turns and twists and looks in all sorts of the wrong direction, Jefte. We’ve seen this a number of times this season, where defensively he doesn’t have any instinct. That is just criminal. When that ball’s getting popped about and it’s coming over to his side of the park, he’s still narrowing off instead of starting to come out.
“He’s absolutely oblivious, and they’ve paid the ultimate price there. But credit to Motherwell, they were good today. They were really good.”
Rangers look ahead to Europa League:
Attention now turns to Rangers’ midweek Europa League clash against Fenerbahce. Ferguson and his team will face the Turkish side on Thursday in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
Rangers will travel to Istanbul for the opening match, with Fenerbahce set to visit Ibrox for the second leg on March 13th.
