Barry Ferguson is eager for clarity on Rangers’ managerial future following their exit from the Europa League quarter-finals against Athletic Bilbao. After a goalless first leg, Rangers were defeated 2-0 at San Mames due to Oihan Sancet’s penalty and Nico Williams’ header. Ferguson, who took over as interim manager after Philippe Clement was dismissed in March, aims to restore pride and competitiveness to the team.
Rangers are currently 15 points behind Celtic with only five league games remaining. They also lost the Scottish League Cup final to Celtic and suffered a disappointing defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup. These setbacks have left their season ending on a low note. Ferguson expressed his disappointment, noting that while the effort was there, the quality was lacking.
Ferguson emphasised the need for Rangers to regain their competitive edge. He stated, “Where this leaves me now is that I’m going to finish the season as strongly as possible. I’ve not sat down and talked about [my future] – but it needs to get sorted soon because, as a club, we need to do a lot of work.” His focus remains on ensuring Rangers return to a strong position.
The interim manager acknowledged his unique opportunity and expressed his commitment to making the most of it. “I just want my club to get back to where it should be, whether it’s me or someone else,” he said. Ferguson is determined to make these three months enjoyable and productive for both himself and the club. Reflecting on recent performances, Ferguson noted that although players showed effort, they fell short in crucial areas. “The work rate was there but the quality wasn’t,” he remarked. He stressed the importance of players feeling disappointed so they can improve in future matches.
The loss against Athletic Bilbao marked another setback in an already challenging season for Rangers. Despite these challenges, Ferguson remains focused on finishing the season positively and preparing for future success. As Rangers look ahead, securing a permanent managerial solution is crucial for their long-term ambitions. Ferguson’s dedication highlights his desire for improvement and stability within the club as they aim to reclaim their competitive stature.
