AliousBarry Ferguson, Rangers’ interim manager, has made it clear that it would be foolish to assume his team has already secured a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals, despite their impressive 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The first-leg triumph, achieved against a side managed by the experienced Jose Mourinho, puts Rangers in a strong position ahead of the return leg at Ibrox.
Ferguson made a tactical adjustment for this match, switching to a three-man defense for the first time, and the change played a significant role in their success. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring, but substitute Alexander Djiku quickly equalized for the Turkish side. Although Dessers had two goals disallowed for offside in the second half, Rangers regained control with a brace from winger Vaclav Cerny, giving them a valuable advantage heading into the second leg next Thursday.
However, Ferguson was adamant that the tie is far from decided. The former Rangers captain emphasized that while the result was excellent, the job is only half done. He acknowledged Mourinho’s tactical expertise and the quality of Fenerbahce’s squad, insisting that underestimating them would be a grave mistake.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Ferguson praised his players for their commitment and tactical discipline. He noted that the squad adapted well to the new system and executed the game plan effectively. He was particularly pleased with their attacking threat and defensive resilience, as they worked tirelessly to secure the win. Ferguson also revealed that defender Robin Propper suffered a minor concussion after an accidental collision with goalkeeper Jack Butland. Propper had to be replaced by Leon Balogun but is expected to recover in time.
Ferguson expressed confidence in his squad but warned against complacency. He stressed the importance of rest and preparation before the decisive second leg, urging his players to stay focused for what he expects to be another tough battle.
On the other hand, Mourinho was highly critical of his team’s performance, stating that they struggled in every aspect of the game. He admitted that Rangers could have won by a larger margin, highlighting Butland’s three crucial saves that prevented further damage. The Portuguese manager acknowledged Fenerbahce’s defensive errors, lack of control in midfield, and inefficiency in attack.
Despite the disappointing display, Mourinho insisted that the tie is still open. While he found no positives in his team’s performance, he reminded his players that they still have another 90—or even 120—minutes to turn things around. His final message to his squad was simple: avoid excessive celebration or despair, as the battle is not yet over.
Alious
