Barry Ferguson realised quicker than most just how hard a job he has at Rangers after seeing his side lose two goals in each of his first two games in charge.
Up next on the fixture list are Fenerbahce, twice, and the small matter of an Old Firm derby at Parkhead – things are only going to get harder for the Rangers manager.
If Ferguson is to get any joy against Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers, the mistakes that he made against Kilmarnock and Motherwell can’t be repeated with a Rangers squad that is as healthy as it has been for some time.
Three things that Barry Ferguson must change for Rangers
The first problem is in defence. Robin Propper has been criticised for his performances recently and it was no surprise to see him hooked at half-time at Ibrox for the fourth time this season.
It isn’t just his individual performances that have been a concern, Jefte and Clinton Nsiala have looked increasingly shaky due to the lack of guidance from the former Twente skipper.
A small sample size it might be, but Jefte was considerably more composed and resolute in his defensive duties with Leon Balogun to guide him.
Replacing Propper wouldn’t just be for his own good, the whole defence would benefit.
Add fresh legs like Bailey Rice in midfield
This season is over, and players like Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi both look like they are departing in the summer.
The midfield has looked short of energy recently and persisting with the 4-2-3-1 formation isn’t an option.
It didn’t work for Philippe Clement, and it won’t work for Ferguson either.
Whether it is adding someone like Bailey Rice or Connor Barron into the engine room, something needs to change to make it harder to play through and to improve control.
If Rangers are playing with wingers, pick wingers
Width and pace. If a team has set up with a low block, the one thing that can break it down is pace.
Whether that is in terms of movement, the speed of passing or in one-v-one situations, and Celtic have proven this consistently over the last 10 years.
Ross McCausland or Findlay Curtis might not be as good technically as Nedim Bajrami or Hagi, but they have pace and are natural wingers.
Sometimes a player who maybe isn’t as good individually, benefits the team as a whole.
If Ferguson persists with what hasn’t worked in the past, it won’t work in the future, and the rest of the season is going to be as slow and painful as it has been already.
