Rangers hero Nacho Novo has provided a number of potential reasons as to why Rangers are struggling at Ibrox of late.
But regardless of his theories, the Spaniard is utterly baffled as he spoke after seeing Rangers lose their fifth game in a row at Ibrox – an unwanted club record.
The dire run of form started with the Queen’s Park debacle in the Scottish Cup and continued at the weekend as Hibs ran out 2-0 winners in Govan.
Novo’s former Rangers teammate Kris Boyd thinks the players only care for themselves in the matches they are expected to win, such as St Mirren and Motherwell.
But when it comes to the big occasions, Boyd believes it galvanises the squad and they are all pulling together in the same direction.
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Novo baffled by woeful Rangers Ibrox form
For Novo, he’s a bit more confused, but says it could be a mix of overconfidence, pressure or even feeling intimidated from their own fans.
Novo outlined the Rangers side he played in between 2004 and 2010 would hardly ever lose at home except on the odd occasion against Celtic – a stark contrast to Barry Ferguson’s current crop.
Speaking to the Daily Record, a baffled Novo said: “It seems like Rangers are struggling a lot more at home lately, and I honestly don’t know why. Sometimes it could be overconfidence.
“It seems like the players are struggling to accept that they have to play at grounds like Celtic Park or Ibrox, but also at much smaller ones, without as much atmosphere. Grounds where the opponent gives you the ball and constantly presses you with very tough play.
“When I played for Rangers, we won those home games. If you lost, you lost against Celtic. The team isn’t very consistent, and Barry is trying to change that, but the players are what they are.
“Rangers have lost five home games in a row – maybe it’s the pressure, maybe they’re intimidated, I don’t know. But knowing Berry Ferguson, I’m sure he hasn’t kept quiet about things in the dressing room either!”
Novo shares what he told Barry Ferguson after Old Firm win
No wonder Novo is befuddled, much like the rest of the Rangers fanbase. Rangers can’t seem to beat Queen’s Park at home, but can go to Celtic’s home patch and beat them deservedly.
Rangers were excellent in the last Old Firm derby as Hamza Igamane’s dramatic late winner sparked jubilant scenes in the away end and dugout.
Ferguson’s men were right on it and Novo was there to see it in person. The former Ibrox man saw what this Rangers team CAN be if they put their minds to it.
And he was so proud that he had to tell Ferguson after the game given the magnitude of the occasion for him personally as interim manager of the club he adores.
Novo continued: “I was in the stands at Celtic Park watching the last Old Firm, which we won, and there I saw a very recognisable team. A Rangers team we can be proud of, one that resembles what it’s always been and that competed at a high level.
“I’d say the team was influenced by Barry Ferguson’s mentality from when he was a player, of always winning, being strong, tough, aggressive, and understanding the game.
“It was the first time in four or five years that I’ve seen a Rangers team I really liked. And I told Barry that. I told him we were proud of him.
“It’s tough being Rangers manager here. If you win, everything’s fine, but if you lose two games in a row…it’s not easy.”
