Friendlies at this time of year are rarely useful for anything other than getting minutes into players legs but Philippe Clement will still have a few concerns from Rangers defeat to Hertha Berlin.
One thing that the Gers boss will be happy about though is the fact that the performance highlighted exactly what might happen if the board doesn’t back him to strengthen his squad.
There is a lot that Philippe Clement has got right since taking over as Rangers manager, however, he is still having to work with one hand tied behind his back as seen on Saturday.
Philippe Clement has to be backed by Rangers board
In terms of possession and chances, Rangers were by far the better side and both Robby McCrorie and Jack Butland were relatively quiet.
The Hertha Berlin goal was easily preventable, as was their other chance gifted by Connor Goldson.
What was hugely disappointing though was the good opportunities that were spurned by either choosing the wrong option or not executing the final ball or shot well enough.
At the moment, it is a damning indictment of recruitment that Ross McCausland is our most consistent winger.
The statistics speak for themselves.
Rabbi Matondo has three goals since signing in the summer of 2022, Scott Wright has one goal in 18-months and McCausland has three since breaking through this season.
Seven goals in two seasons between three wingers who have had regular game time – over 100 appearances between them.
Add this to Cyriel Dessers continued hesitancy in front of goal and Philippe Clement has a real problem for Rangers.
Clean sheets win games, but it only takes one mistake or lapse of concentration or an opposition player to score a screamer to undo a lot of good work.
There has to be a natural goalscorer signed and a winger who can contribute numbers to add to Fabio Silva’s arrival.
If not, as we saw against Hertha Berlin, we can wave goodbye to the league.
