By Sheryl Ritchie
Given the way that this team has risen to the challenge presented by Celtic and a host of Europa League teams this season, yet crumbled against so called “lesser” league opposition, it was perhaps no surprise that Rangers put in a more accomplished and spirited shift in large parts against Celtic at Ibrox this afternoon. Prior to the match Barry Ferguson dismissed talk that the game was a dead rubber, emphasising that it means a lot to him and should mean a lot to everyone at the club,despite being openly critical of the players, both from the touchline in Paisley and in his post-match comments after last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw.
Ferguson has spoken candidly following his side’s 1–1 Old Firm draw, expressing disappointment with the result but pride in the team’s fighting spirit. The Ibrox legend also made it clear he wants the managerial job on a permanent basis and is ready to take on the significant rebuild ahead.
Ferguson, speaking in his post-match press conference, praised the intensity and commitment of his players but acknowledged that the performance lacked quality in crucial areas.
“I’m happy with the commitment,” he said. “It was a full-blooded, committed display—exactly what I expected. But we wanted three points. We were lacking quality in the final third and took too many touches. That’s something we’ll be working on when we’re back in training on Tuesday.”
The interim boss was clearly aggrieved when asked about a potential penalty claim that went unawarded, stating only that “If that’s in the middle of the pitch, it’s a foul.”
Ferguson had no issue addressing visible frustration from Czech forward Vaclav Cerny after being subbed off. “I’m the manager. I’ve no problem with players being disappointed,” he said, before adding that Cerny, regarded as a game-changer, “needs to do more” to influence matches.
When asked about whether players such as Oscar Cortes and Danilo are frustrated at a lack of game time Ferguson pointed to the need to tailor his squad against the opposition but also pointed to an increase in the intensity of training since he took over and the fact both players have returned from long term injury layoffs but also challenged the pair “Ask them and they’ll agree they need to do more.”
When pressed on his midfielders Ferguson highlighted the role of Man of the Match Nico Raskin and also singled out Connor Barron for praise.
“In terms of attitude you know what you’ll get with Connor, I know he’s been in and out of the team but I think he’s a lot better on the ball than people give him credit for, he played well alongside Nico.”
Asked whether many of his players are playing for their futures Ferguson pointed to the improved level of application today and the fact that he shouldn’t need to ask and will “Never accept someone not giving one hundred percent, the players need to continue with that.”
Looking ahead, Ferguson was clear that changes are already in motion at the club, particularly with the appointment of a new sporting director Kevin Thelwell. He said the work has already begun to prepare for Champions League qualifiers and that decisions will soon need to be made regarding contracts and player departures.
One thing that has followed Ferguson since he took on the interim manager role was speculation around whether he would take or be offered the manager’s role on a permanent basis. Ferguson was bullish and unequivocal in his response when asked if he wants to remain as Rangers’ manager,
“I can do the job and I want the job, I know what is needed but decisions need to be made quickly. I don’t care about people’s opinions, I have good staff behind me, it doesn’t scare me, there’s a hell of a lot of work to do but I’ll meet the challenge head on.”
He called for clarity from the club’s hierarchy soon, urging them to decide “what way we want to go” after what he described as a “dry spell in terms of trophies.”
As the club enters a pivotal summer, Ferguson made it clear he is ready to lead the charge, with no doubts about his ambition—or the scale of the task ahead.
