Ferguson admits changed Rangers dressing room perception since taking interim role
Ferguson admits changed Rangers dressing room perception since taking interim role
Rangers’ interim manager Barry Ferguson has offered a candid insight into his evolving understanding of the squad since stepping into the dugout, revealing how his perspective has shifted dramatically from his previous ambassadorial role.
Despite Rangers’ progression into the Europa League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce at Ibrox, the 2-0 loss in the second leg marked their fourth consecutive home defeat – a concerning trend that Ferguson is determined to address.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, the legendary former Rangers captain acknowledged the challenges he’s faced since taking charge.
“Yeah, until you actually come in and spend a bit of time with them, you understand the reasons why domestically, certainly at home, the last three games, obviously the number of games they lost around the Christmas and New Year period that they struggled, I can see why,” Ferguson explained.
He highlighted the need for tactical flexibility, a stark contrast to the rigid formations he observed during his time as an ambassador.
“When I watched them [under Philippe Clement], I didn’t really know the game plan, so that was something I sat down with the coaching staff to try and change. Now we are pretty flexible, not as flexible as I would like to be, but listen, that takes a bit of time because it’s obviously been a hectic period,” he added.
Ferguson also revealed that his opinion of several players has changed since taking a hands-on role.
“Numbers of them,” he admitted. “You obviously watch from the stand and every manager has a certain way of playing, a certain way of coaching, a certain way of training, and I just felt watching the team that it was a bit pedestrian at times.
“But that’s maybe a European style, and I totally get that. I just think when you play at a club like Rangers, it needs to be a real high tempo.”
The Light Blues’ interim boss has implemented a demanding training routine to try register his philosophy.
“I’m a big believer that you have to train the way you want to play. Whether that’s a Thursday night, a Saturday or a Sunday, whenever you’ve got a game, that’s my approach to training. I understand you need to come off it at times if you have three games a week, but I like to shorten the sessions and still make it really demanding on the players,” he continued.
Ferguson’s methods appear to be resonating with the Rangers squad.
“They’ve took it on board and they are really going for it. I’m really, really happy with how they are approaching it as well,” he said.
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