Kris Boyd on Rangers' Champions League Exit: 'They Need to Win!'

Rangers: A Club in Crisis?

Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has been vocal about the troubling state of Rangers Football Club, declaring that they are in a "bad place." He emphasizes that the notion of Rangers being a long-term project is misplaced, as the club is under immense pressure to win.

Champions League Dreams Dashed

Rangers faced a significant setback when their Champions League aspirations were brought to an end by Dynamo Kyiv. The match, which saw substitutes Oleksandr Pikhalyonok and Nazar Voloshyn find the back of the net, left Rangers with a 3-1 aggregate loss. Boyd pointed out that even before the red card issued to Jefte after a second yellow card, Rangers were struggling to assert themselves on the field.

Analyzing Performance

Boyd critiques Rangers' gameplay, noting that the team lacks the ability to dominate possession as top teams do: "Top teams in top countries dominate the ball and keep it for long periods. I don't see that with Rangers; everything is 100mph getting the ball forward," he commented.

The Path Forward

With Philippe Clement at the helm, improvements are needed. Boyd notes that while there were glimpses of better performance, particularly in stretches against Motherwell, the overall result has been disappointing. Missing out on Champions League football not only affects morale but also severely limits the financial resources available for squad enhancement.

Pressure to Perform

The pressure for Rangers to win continues to mount, especially with fierce rivals Celtic establishing dominance in Scottish football. Boyd argues that fans expect a winning team, and the project narrative doesn’t align with the club’s historical context.

Fan Discontent and Stadium Challenges

With recent unfulfilled expectations, negativity surrounds the club. Rangers' chairman, John Bennett, expressed regret over the infrastructural delays affecting their home ground Ibrox, which has seen them play at Hampden Park instead. Boyd lamented the impact of having to play at an unfamiliar venue, stating, "Champions League nights at Ibrox make other teams crumble, but Hampden didn’t offer the same atmosphere."

Looking Ahead

It’s clear that serious changes are needed at Rangers, and the dissatisfaction among fans is growing. Boyd warns that the situation cannot fester unresolved, as continued underperformance could have longer-term consequences for Rangers amidst a crucial season.

Conclusion

The future of Rangers Football Club hangs in a delicate balance. The need for immediate results is paramount, and leadership must address both performance on the pitch and the off-field issues that are plaguing the club. Is there a way out for Rangers? Only time will tell.