Kris Boyd Critiques Rangers' Champions League Exit: Urgent Need for Wins

Rangers Football Club Faces Challenges After Champions League Exit

The situation surrounding Rangers Football Club has reached a critical point following their recent exit from the Champions League, with Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd labeling the club as being in a "bad place." According to Boyd, the notion that Rangers is merely a project is fundamentally misplaced, asserting that the club "needs to win" to satisfy its fanbase.

Champions League Hopes Ended by Dynamo Kyiv

Rangers' aspirations in European football were dashed on a disappointing night against Dynamo Kyiv. The team conceded two late goals from substitutes Oleksandr Pikhalyonok and Nazar Voloshyn during their match at Hampden Park, sealing the tie at 3-1 on aggregate. This exit not only curtails their Champions League hopes but also significantly impacts their financial capabilities and squad investments.

Match Overview: Rangers vs. Dynamo Kyiv

• Final Score: Rangers 0 - 2 Dynamo Kyiv
• Aggregate Score: Rangers 1 - 3 Dynamo Kyiv
• Key Event: Jefte received a red card, compounding Rangers' struggles on the pitch.

Analysis of Rangers' Performance

Boyd criticized the team’s overall style of play, highlighting the lack of control over the ball, stating, “Top teams in top countries dominate the ball.” He emphasized that even before the red card incident, Rangers were underperforming and not exhibiting the dominance expected by their fans.

Phillipe Clement's Challenges

New manager Philippe Clement had promised improvements, yet Boyd expressed skepticism regarding the visible changes in performance. With a shaky win against Hearts and a struggle to maintain leads against Motherwell, concerns about the squad's consistency are mounting.

The Pressure is Mounting

As the negativity surrounding the club grows, Boyd warned that the pressure on the management to deliver immediate results will only increase. Despite the fans' patience, he cautioned that results must reflect the expectation of winning, particularly considering Rangers’ historic dominance in Scottish football.

Stadium Issues Affect Atmosphere

The match’s venue has also drawn attention, as Rangers were forced to play at Hampden Park due to construction delays at Ibrox. Boyd pointed out the lack of atmosphere at the temporary ground and noted the diminished attendance for upcoming fixtures, indicating a growing frustration among the fans.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Rangers?

With significant challenges ahead, including a League Cup match against St Johnstone on the horizon, the need for a cohesive recovery strategy is paramount. Boyd’s insights serve as a wake-up call for the management and players alike, urging them to regain the fans’ trust through improved performances on the pitch.

Conclusion

The current state of Rangers Football Club underscores the urgent need for change and improvement. As they navigate the immediate aftermath of their Champions League exit, finding solutions to retain their competitive edge in Scottish football will be crucial.