Whether supporters are willing to accept it or not, James Tavernier’s apology has been sent to each and every one of them.
Rangers were woefully knocked out of the Betfred Cup in a 1-0 loss to Aberdeen. Despite bossing much of the contest, the Gers were sent packing after Lewis Ferguson’s late header won it for the Dons.
It was a shock to everyone at Ibrox after the positive vibes ringing throughout the club. Rangers couldn’t have been more positive heading into the game, and fans were expectant.
With the majority of Hampden Park packed with Rangers supporters, Tavernier and his teammates had incredible backing.
Whilst the captain praised the fans for turning out in such large numbers, he also apologised for what they had to endure. Speaking to Rangers TV after the contest, Tavernier was disconsolate.
“It’s only an apology from the boys for the fans that have came in numbers. They’ve filled out the stadium and we had the majority of the fans here, and obviously the fans also watching at home too.
“It’s not good enough – us not being in the final. Us conceding a goal like that also isn’t good enough for Rangers. We’ve got to produce something on Wednesday now.
“We’ve seen us score plenty this season. Sometimes it takes an early goal for the lads to be filled with more freedom in the final third. It’s one we have address on Wednesday and create as many chances as we can.”
Words mean nothing
Whilst Tavernier has to say all of the right noises as captain, the fans mostly won’t want to hear it. With such a morale-draining result for an expectant fan-base, only the talking on the park will mean anything.
There was one worrying element about what Tavernier had to say, however. Taking an early goal is advantageous, but Rangers cannot be relying on it to get their performances going.
If this is a Rangers team that’s going to be challenging domestically and in Europe, they need to have more adaptability. Against Aberdeen and Spartak Moscow, Rangers have struggled to break down the opposition.
This is a change from the start of the season, when Rangers were tearing the likes of St Johnstone and Dundee apart at Ibrox. It appears that when it comes to games against a higher quality of opposition, Rangers do struggle in the final third.
It’s down to Tavernier and the rest of the Gers squad to change that, starting on Wednesday. Kilmarnock will come to Ibrox disappointed with a 1-1 draw against Hamilton yesterday. Rangers have to take advantage of that and put their Dons debacle behind them.
