Match Preview [FT] Rangers 1 (Tavernier 87' pen) - 3 Ajax

[Rousseau 10,607]

4 minutes ago, buster. said:

The squad had switched off towards the end of the SG spell.

 

They are older, spend more time injured and have switched off again.

 

Sometimes they get up for a game. Confronted with anything approaching difficult, they go missing.

"Switched off" under SG was an unlucky 0-1 defeat, compared to 0-4 and 1-7 horsings under GvB. 

[buster. 5,186]

Just now, Rousseau said:

"Switched off" under SG was an unlucky 0-1 defeat, compared to 0-4 and 1-7 horsings under GvB. 

The obvious difference in level of opponent partly explains the difference.

 

However, I take your point and would say that generally the squad probably had more respect for SG, his team seemed fitter and again generally, better drilled.

 

On top of much of the squad being a year older, more likely to be injured and obviously stale.

 

I won't repeat bottom line as apparently you don't like reps

 

[Sutton_blows_goats 5,335]

15 minutes ago, ranger_syntax said:

As mentioned elsewhere look at the injury list.

 

Also look at the level of replacements for Bassey and Aribo. Tillman and Ridvan are both well below that standard. Davies can't stay fit.

 

Finally look at the manager's refusal to park the bus.

That injury list can be down to bad judgement as well as back luck. Half of the names on it are set in stone.

 

The managers tactics last night again were bizarre, going so open against a team 2-0 up. 

 

But that's not all that's to blame.

Edited November 2, 2022 by Sutton_blows_goats

[the gunslinger 3,366]

7 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

"Switched off" under SG was an unlucky 0-1 defeat, compared to 0-4 and 1-7 horsings under GvB. 

Different level though in fairness. 

[Rousseau 10,607]

9 minutes ago, the gunslinger said:

Different level though in fairness. 

That's certainly part of it. 

 

However, we did play teams like Porto and Benfica - CL teams - and if not beat them, at least gave a good account of ourselves. 

 

Even the game against Leverkusen several years back: it was clear there was a gulf in quality, but it wasn't a humiliation. 

[Rousseau 10,607]

18 minutes ago, buster. said:

The obvious difference in level of opponent partly explains the difference.

 

However, I take your point and would say that generally the squad probably had more respect for SG, his team seemed fitter and again generally, better drilled.

 

On top of much of the squad being a year older, more likely to be injured and obviously stale.

 

I won't repeat bottom line as apparently you don't like reps

 

Your second sentence would suggest GvB is a poor coach, with a poor fitness coach on his backroom staff. 

[buster. 5,186]

1 minute ago, Rousseau said:

You second sentence would suggest GvB is a poor coach, with a poor fitness coach on his backroom staff. 

I don't know if he is a poor coach or the players have given up listening to him/ can't understand/ aren't capable.

 

Fitness, conditioning and or willing are major issues.

[Sutton_blows_goats 5,335]

5 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

You second sentence would suggest GvB is a poor coach, with a poor fitness coach on his backroom staff. 

Its certainly looking that way so far this season. What has changed since last season and our incredible European run? Our domestic league record however last season = not so great. Great credit for winning the Scottish cup at the 1st go. Gerrard & struggled big time with that.

[buster. 5,186]

29 minutes ago, ranger_syntax said:

Could admin arrange some sort of prize for the big man here?

No need !!

I was slightly optimistic about taking something from last night and was thinking 2-2 but I saw the teams and it was plain that we wouldn't.

[Gonzo79 15,293]

Ajax found it ridiculously easy to make runs into the final third with no Rangers player anywhere near them.

 

Just like Napoli did.  Just like Liverpool did.

 

What on Earth are we doing in training?