Rangers

Emmanuel Fernandez believes that Rangers lacked the “fight” required to win the Scottish Premiership, after disappointing three fixtures. Rangers are now officially out of the Scottish Premiership title run-in and will have to settle for third place, after three defeats to Motherwell, Hearts and Celtic. Leaving questions to be asked about Head Coach, Danny Rohl’s future. And Rangers POTY, Emmanuel Fernandez believes his side showed not enough battle in the crucial fixtures to push for league success. Fernandez, who has flourished under Rohl’s management, spoke after yesterday’s Old-Firm defeat. He said: “I couldn’t pinpoint an issue. I just feel like maybe we needed to have a bit more fight. “I can’t say we have been unlucky. I can take stick for it because there are certain moments I probably should have defended better. “But there is nothing I can really say about my team mates. I will probably just look at myself if anything.” And after this disastrous two weeks for Rohl’s side, it has left a good portion of the Rangers support in anger. Fernandez spoke about the fan’s frustration with the team at this moment in time and more on the lack of fight they have shown. He said: “Yes, 100-per-cent I would totally understand that. “We knew it was going to be a fight. There were moments in games where we had fight. But in football there are going to be moments where you are going to struggle and go under in the 90 minutes. “I feel that, as a young team if we are going to grow, if you are going to struggle you stick together and all defend together. Then, when you come out of it, you have opportunities to score. “That is something we have to improve on.” During these difficult moments, a lot of the scrutiny falls onto the Head Coach. However, Fernandez backs Rohl with “100 percent”. Fernandez said: “I don’t look into what fans say about the manager. “But I know about the manager 100 per cent. I know that he got us through moments in the season where everybody thought the season was over and there wouldn’t be a title race for us. “I feel like maybe we went into it with the wrong mindset. I back the manager 100 per-cent. It is the players who should maybe take it, because we didn’t do the job on the pitch and it is something that we should improve on.” An honest statement from the Rangers defender, who admitted openly the players fell short of expectations set.

Two damaging results for Rangers now leaves them distant from the title, as Danny Rohl acknowledges the difficult position his side now face. Rangers faced back-to-back defeats in the first two fixtures of the top-six split, which has left them far a drift from the title. Hearts were 2-1 winners in yesterday’s crucial fixture. Dujon Sterling opened the scoring for Rangers. However, an amazing second half performance from Hearts saw Stephen Kingsley and Lawrence Shankland score the all-important goal to crush Rangers’ title hopes. After the match, Danny Rohl said: “I think there’s no question mark. We’re in a really difficult situation now. “I think we worked so hard to come so close in the last two games. It’s not enough when you play just one half on your best level. “We have to show courage, and this is what I expect and demand of my players in the next three games, to take three fantastic results.” The title race seems to be beyond Rangers now, leaving Rohl’s side with far too much to do in the final three fixtures after what was a disastrous last two matches. They have Celtic to come next, as Martin O’ Neill’s side look to put some pressure on Hearts. Then a final home fixture against Hibs, before a trip to Falkirk to conclude the season. Hearts play Motherwell away from home, before welcoming Falkirk to Tynecastle and ending the season of at Celtic Park in hope to seal the title.  

The Rangers captain remains unaware if he will be at Ibrox next season, having yet to be offered a new contract. Tavernier has started 23 out of the 33 league games this season, with Danny Rohl rotating his squad in chase for the league title. Despite not as much game time, Tavernier has still contributed 14 goals across all competitions. Rangers are one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points ahead of Celtic with five games to go in this fascinating title run in. Speaking with the BBC on his future, Tavernier said: “I don’t know, time will tell for that one. “I’m a man who always focuses on short-term. Especially this week, I’m focusing on my family and focusing on my football. “My wife’s asking me about the summer holidays and what my kids need on holiday, and I’m saying, ‘talk to me at a later date because that’s just too far ahead for me.’ “Time will tell with this one. Obviously, I’m excited for what the future brings.” He was then asked about his shortage of game time, and if it would impact his decision if he was to be offered a deal. He said: “Nothing’s ever a guarantee in football. “You’ve got to earn the right. That’s been the case since day one since I’ve playing professional football. I’ve always had to earn that right to start.” With Rangers being in a tight title race, Tavernier’s focus will surely remain strongly on producing success for the Rangers support.

Bailey Rice is being targeted by Dutch greats Ajax and German club Schalke as his deal at Ibrox is ready to expire in the summer. Fabrizio Romano has today reported that Bailey Rice is wanted by both European clubs on a free transfer. He said: “Ajax and Schalke are both trying to sign Bailey Rice from Rangers as a free agent. “Scottish midfielder is out of contract this summer and Schalke have made initial personal terms offer already. “Bailey hasn’t agreed yet with Rangers on a new deal and he’s open to options.” Rice has played in crucial Europa League ties, including a fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United and a quarter-final match against Athletic Club Bilbao, which he received plaudits for his performances. Unfortunately for Rice he picked up an injury at the beginning of the season, which required surgery, and has left him without any game-time. However, the youngster has been sought for previously by top clubs due to his fantastic youth development. Will a move away be the best option for Rice, as he looks to prove the big expectations that have been highlighted around him?

The Belgian international has revealed the issues that occurred with former boss Russell Martin during his 123-day tenure.  Nico Raskin was left out of Russell Martin’s squad on many occasions, including an Old-Firm derby and a crucial Champions League qualifying clash. Which almost resulted in the Belgian departing the club. During Raskin’s time watching from the stand, the Rangers fans were singing his song in protest against Martin’s decisions. Nowadays, Raskin is a key player in Danny Rohl’s squad and is in great contention to be granted a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad this summer. Raskin spoke to the Rangers Review on regards to the situation with Martin, he said: “He called me saying I wasn’t in his plan. “Whatever happened, I wouldn’t be in his plan, and it would be better for me to leave. I think that was just because the window was closing a couple of days after. It was kind of the last try [to get me to leave]. But I said to him, I’ll be coming to training on Monday, and then we’ll have a chat.” Raskin then spoke about his conversation with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Cortious, he said: “I remember Thibaut Courtois talking to me about that game [Brugge] and the Celtic game where I wasn’t involved, because he watched it and was surprised to not see me playing. It was difficult for me to explain why at the time.” From what was such a disappointing start to the season for Raskin and the rest of the Rangers squad, they now find themselves deep in the race for the Scottish Premiership.