Tavernier Unfazed But Is Rangers Ready to Take Europa League Campaign Forward?
Rangers captain James Tavernier has insisted that his team can still reach the knockout stages of the Europa League despite taking just one point from their opening five fixtures. The draw with 10-man Sporting Braga was a mixed bag for the Scottish side, who were unable to capitalize on their advantage and fell behind after Nasser Djiga's defensive error gifted the Portuguese side an equalizing goal.
Tavernier had put Rangers ahead in first-half injury-time, but his team's defense was breached once again as Rodrigo Zalazar was sent off for headbutting Nicolas Raskin. The former striker Ally McCoist holds the record for 21 European goals for the club, and Tavernier's equalizing goal could have sealed a vital win.
However, progress in the Europa League seems unlikely with nine points needed to advance from the group stage. Rangers boss Danny Rohl has described the draw as "progress," but his team must improve to play 90 minutes at their highest level. The manager acknowledges that mistakes are becoming too frequent and that they cannot afford to make such lapses in concentration.
Former Rangers players have expressed concerns about the team's performance, with Ally McCoist calling into question whether the current squad is capable of taking the club forward. Former midfielder Andy Halliday believes that the mental side of the game is a major issue for the team, as they struggle with lapses of concentration and failing to capitalize on their advantages.
Fans have also been vocal about their disappointment with Rangers' performance, with many questioning whether the current squad is good enough to take the team forward. Some fans believe that the manager needs to make significant changes in order to bring in better players and improve the team's chances of success.
With a tough schedule ahead, including visits to Ferencvaros and Porto, it remains to be seen whether Rangers can turn their campaign around. However, with nine points still needed from the group stage, it seems unlikely that they will overcome the odds.
Rangers captain James Tavernier has insisted that his team can still reach the knockout stages of the Europa League despite taking just one point from their opening five fixtures. The draw with 10-man Sporting Braga was a mixed bag for the Scottish side, who were unable to capitalize on their advantage and fell behind after Nasser Djiga's defensive error gifted the Portuguese side an equalizing goal.
Tavernier had put Rangers ahead in first-half injury-time, but his team's defense was breached once again as Rodrigo Zalazar was sent off for headbutting Nicolas Raskin. The former striker Ally McCoist holds the record for 21 European goals for the club, and Tavernier's equalizing goal could have sealed a vital win.
However, progress in the Europa League seems unlikely with nine points needed to advance from the group stage. Rangers boss Danny Rohl has described the draw as "progress," but his team must improve to play 90 minutes at their highest level. The manager acknowledges that mistakes are becoming too frequent and that they cannot afford to make such lapses in concentration.
Former Rangers players have expressed concerns about the team's performance, with Ally McCoist calling into question whether the current squad is capable of taking the club forward. Former midfielder Andy Halliday believes that the mental side of the game is a major issue for the team, as they struggle with lapses of concentration and failing to capitalize on their advantages.
Fans have also been vocal about their disappointment with Rangers' performance, with many questioning whether the current squad is good enough to take the team forward. Some fans believe that the manager needs to make significant changes in order to bring in better players and improve the team's chances of success.
With a tough schedule ahead, including visits to Ferencvaros and Porto, it remains to be seen whether Rangers can turn their campaign around. However, with nine points still needed from the group stage, it seems unlikely that they will overcome the odds.