AliousBarry Ferguson has made it clear that the weight of Rangers’ Europa League ambitions now rests firmly on his shoulders, as he prepares to make potentially game-changing decisions ahead of their quarter-final showdown with Athletic Bilbao.
The interim manager, still reeling from last weekend’s lacklustre 2-0 defeat to Hibernian, has hinted that bold moves have already been made — although he’s remaining tight-lipped about specific personnel changes. With key players John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande suspended, Ferguson is already forced into some adjustments, but much of the scrutiny surrounds goalkeeper Jack Butland and striker Cyriel Dessers, both of whom have come under fire.
Butland’s error against Hibs led to the opening goal, while Dessers once again struggled to make an impact in front of goal, sparking debate among fans and pundits. Ferguson, however, is choosing to keep his cards close to his chest.
“I’m not going to reveal whether I’ve spoken to Jack or anyone else individually — that’s for the game to show,” he said. “I’d be mad to publicly announce who’s playing or how we’ll line up.”
When asked about Dessers, he offered some perspective: “The concern would be if he wasn’t getting into scoring positions at all. That’s a bigger issue for me.”
Ferguson admitted the fallout from the Hibs loss forced him into deep reflection. “It’s been a long few days, but I’ve made decisions I believe are right. They rest on me — that’s the responsibility I have as manager. My job is to fix this inconsistency that’s haunted us all season.”
Acknowledging the pressure, Ferguson said the job demands tough choices and that he’s willing to make them. “There have been moments where I thought we were turning a corner, but then we put in a performance like that. It set me back. I’ve thought long and hard, and I’ve made a call that I’ll own, whatever the outcome.”
Though he hasn’t confirmed whether certain underperforming players will be dropped, Ferguson hinted that no one’s place is guaranteed. “Everyone knows now — if you want to play in my team, you’ve got to earn it. I’ve had to make difficult calls since taking over, and I won’t shy away from more if it helps us improve.”
He also left the door open for redemption, acknowledging that giving players a second chance after a poor showing is part of the equation. “It’s a thought that’s crossed my mind. Do I back them to respond or make sweeping changes — in players, in the system? Those are the questions I’ve been asking myself.”
As Rangers prepare for one of their biggest European nights of the season, Ferguson’s message is clear: the time for sentiment is over, and only the strongest — both mentally and tactically — will take the field.
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