A lot has been said about Rangers since the disastrous loss at Kilmarnock at the weekend. Criticism has been levelled at the players and manager.
Philippe Clement is starting to feel the heat with questions over his management reaching fever pitch a year into his tenure and Rangers fans starting to turn on him and feeling there is an inevitable outcome.
There are always the post-mortems when Rangers lose but this time it feels heightened as supporters feel trapped in a never-ending cycle and also due to the fact Celtic and Aberdeen BOTH pulled six points clear.
As ever too, there are differing opinions on exactly how things are going wrong and where the finger of blame should be pointed.
Marvin Bartley says Rangers players must do more
After a honeymoon period in which he improved results and won the support over, Clement is now getting a bit of flak for his style of play.
He prefers a direct approach, with Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes talking about Rangers’ long-ball approach and how they dealt with it on Sunday.
It is perhaps not always so easy on the eye and that can be magnified even further when the results are not coming either.
But is it all on the manager or should the players be able to figure things out on the pitch too?
Marvin Bartley told Open Goal: “The players need to show that they’re good enough, though, consistently.
“I’m not being funny Rangers, outside of playing Celtic, should be able to put anyone on the pitch and go and perform. And they didn’t, they were poor. Really poor.”
Asked if it looks like there is ‘no set-up’, he added: “Exactly so they’ve been put in a formation with good players there so on the pitch take accountability for it. Go and do it.”
Livingston coach Brian Rice agreed: “They’ve obviously got a game plan to enforce. But then it comes down to decision making. Players have got to take responsibility on the pitch.
“If something is not working then the experienced players on the pitch should be getting together and finding a way to win. You’re at Rangers, take responsibility. It can’t all fall on the gaffer.”
David Martindale says no Rangers fear factor
Damningly for Rangers, Lions boss David Martindale says he fears the attacking threats of both Falkirk and St Johnstone more.
He insists the way Clement’s side play is all a bit safe and means there is no fear factor about going up against them
“Have they got them players that you really look at?” he asked. “Going up against Celtic; Jota, Maeda, how do we stop them?
“I don’t think Rangers have got that fear factor. Even Hibs with (Martin) Boyle, (Elie) Youan, you need that.
“Celtic have got the players who suit that style of play (one v one). Rangers have not recruited those players.
“I’m not sure (the Rangers players are better than the Kilmarnock players).
“I’m just looking at it from a coach’s point of view and coaching against Rangers this year.
“What would worry me? I’m not sure the worry is there. In previous years the worry has been Aribo, Kamara, Kent, there’s been a lot.
“Going against Celtic (in comparison), even going against Falkirk, I’m looking at Rangers and everything is in front of you.”
