AliousFurious Ferguson Slams Rangers Players After Hibs Defeat as Boyd Questions Squad’s Mentality
Barry Ferguson didn’t hold back after Rangers’ dismal 2-0 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox—a fifth straight home loss that marks an unprecedented low in the club’s history. The defeat also saw the Light Blues match a grim milestone not seen since 1894, conceding two or more goals in six successive top-flight games.
Despite making second-half changes in a desperate attempt to change the tide, Ferguson’s side failed to recover, and the interim boss looked visibly exasperated throughout the match.
Speaking candidly to the BBC post-match, Ferguson described himself as “absolutely raging” and admitted he had some blunt conversations with his players both during and after the match. “I’m really angry—there’s no simpler way to put it,” he said. “I’ve just had an honest conversation with the team. I cannot accept what I’ve just seen out there.”
Ferguson acknowledged that the team had started relatively well before gifting Hibs the opening goal due to yet another self-inflicted error. “It completely knocked us,” he admitted. “And it took far too long—five or ten minutes—before we even started doing the things we’ve worked on. At half-time, I asked for more urgency, more aggression with and without the ball. I didn’t see it. That’s what has me furious.”
He was frank about the gap in standards, conceding: “We’re miles off it, and I won’t sugar-coat it. Hibs deserved their win. They worked harder, they wanted it more. That hurts me to admit.”
While taking full accountability for the team’s poor showing, Ferguson made it clear that technical ability alone isn’t enough to succeed at Ibrox. “You can be a talented footballer, but here you need far more than that. I pick the team, so the responsibility’s mine too. But everyone involved needs to go away and take a long, hard look in the mirror. This season could fizzle out unless we act fast.”
He expressed concern that players only seem to rise to the occasion in European fixtures. “Sure, we’ve got the Europa League, and those matches are easy to get up for,” he said. “But I want the same intensity against domestic opponents—against Hibs, Motherwell, St Mirren, Hearts. That’s the real test of mentality and pride.”
### Kris Boyd Says Rangers “Too Big” for Some Players
Former Rangers forward and current pundit Kris Boyd echoed Ferguson’s frustration, suggesting that some players may not be mentally equipped to handle the expectations that come with wearing the blue jersey.
Although Boyd didn’t watch the match live due to media commitments, he caught Ferguson’s emotional Sky Sports interview and was not surprised by the interim manager’s visible anger. “It wouldn’t shock me if Rangers got a result on Thursday in Europe,” Boyd commented. “They’re so up and down—it’s Jekyll and Hyde stuff.”
Boyd criticized the team’s chronic inconsistency, pointing out that while certain players can reach high levels, their failure to maintain them is damaging. “You can’t turn up just for the big games. This has been the story all season. And frankly, maybe this club is just too big for some of these players.”
He referenced the recent string of defeats—not just to European opposition like Fenerbahce, but also against domestic teams such as Motherwell, St Mirren, and Queen’s Park. “Those losses are embarrassing,” he said. “It’s not just about performances—it’s about standards, and right now, they’re falling way short.”
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