AliousFerguson Praises Rangers’ Grit and Resilience After Europa League Triumph
Interim Rangers head coach Barry Ferguson reflected on his side’s dramatic Europa League victory, highlighting their fighting spirit despite conceding two avoidable goals. While acknowledging that there was room for improvement, Ferguson was full of praise for his players’ mental strength, particularly in the penalty shootout.
“I actually thought we played well,” Ferguson said. “Of course, we could have defended better for both goals, but what stood out was the character the team showed. We kept our composure when it mattered most in the penalty shootout, and the most important thing was ensuring this club reached the quarter-finals—I’ve done that.”
Restoring Confidence and Winning Over Doubters**
Since taking over as interim boss, Ferguson has focused on lifting the squad’s confidence, which had taken a hit in recent weeks. He credited his team for responding to his methods and praised the Ibrox faithful for their unwavering support throughout the game.
“When we came in, the squad was low on confidence, and that’s something we’ve been working hard to fix,” he explained. “Tonight, I have to give a huge mention to the fans—they stuck by the team right until the end, and that support means everything.”
Leading Rangers from the touchline, Ferguson admitted, was a surreal experience. Having once captained the club, he described it as an “amazing feeling” to now be guiding the team from the dugout.
“It was a dream to play for Rangers and an even bigger one to wear the captain’s armband,” he said. “But standing on the sidelines, leading the club I grew up supporting—it’s an incredible honor.”
Ferguson also addressed the criticism surrounding his appointment, using it as fuel to prove his doubters wrong.
“I know some people questioned whether I was the right man for the job, whether I was qualified enough,” he acknowledged. “That just makes me even more determined. I’m giving everything I have for these next few months, and the players are giving everything for me—that’s all I can ask for.”
Focusing on the Future—Both in Europe and Domestically**
While Ferguson admitted that the performance against Fenerbahce wasn’t perfect, he was proud of his squad’s relentless attitude.
“The result wasn’t ideal, but the way the players carried themselves, the way they kept going until the very end—that’s what made me proud,” he said. “I’m delighted for the players, for the board, and most importantly, for the supporters.”
Domestically, Rangers remain 16 points adrift of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, making a title challenge highly unlikely. However, Ferguson insisted that there is still plenty to fight for.
“Yes, we’re well behind Celtic, but that doesn’t mean we have nothing to play for,” he said. “Every match is an opportunity to show what it means to represent this club.
“Europe remains a long shot in terms of reaching the final, but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. And in the league, we have to prove that we’re capable of competing at the highest level every single season.”
Ferguson’s passion for Rangers is undeniable, and his determination to make the most of this opportunity is clear. Whether his tenure extends beyond the season or not, he is fully committed to leaving his mark on the club he loves.
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