Jose Cifuentes came in for some jeers from the Rangers support against Aris Limassol in the Europa League but Ibrox legend Ally McCoist was quick to speak out in support of the Ecuador international.
Now, even the usually glass-half-full McCoist had to admit that, during a difficult first half which threatened to turn the language as blue as Rangers’ home shirt, Jose Cifuentes didn’t exactly cover himself in glory.
The £1.2 million signing from Los Angeles FC, McCoist intimated, was fortunate not to get the hook as Philippe Clement shuffled his pack and introduced his ‘joker’ card in young Ross McCausland, Todd Cantwell subbed off in the 36th minute instead.
Cifuentes’ passing was wayward. His influence minimal.
But as the frustration appeared to boil over, Cifuentes sparking a chorus of groans as he passed the ball all the way back to goalkeeper Jack Butland from the halfway line, that was where McCoist felt the need to step in and defend the oft-maligned midfielder.
Jose Cifuentes struggles again
“I’ll tell you what, it’s the right decision,” McCoist told TNT Sports (30 November, 8pm), quick to point out that – if Cifuentes had lost the ball under pressure from an onrushing Aris attack – there would have been no rescuing him.
“I don’t care what anybody says, if he lost it there, he’d have had no chance.”
Big things were expected of Cifuentes when he arrived in Glasgow. He was, with the possible exception of Danilo, the Rangers signing who posed the most intrigue, such was his excellent track record over in the MLS at LAFC.
Rangers held in Europa League
That performance during the 1-1 draw with Aris, however, was Cifuentes’ early Rangers career to a tee. Another night of drift and ever-increasing dissatisfaction. Cifuentes managed only 68 touches on the night. Around 40 fewer than his far-more-effective midfield partner John Lundstram (WhoScored).
There should be more opportunities for the South American to get up to speed, however, with Ryan Jack joining the walking wounded.
“He’s a different type than Ryan,” Clement told Rangers Review after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Aberdeen. “But he did a good game.”
