Defoe Jermain, speaking with Sky: “You take each game as it comes because you’ve been there and won the league. I think the Old Firm is the greatest football match ever played with football betting at its peak.
It’s all up for grabs. The boys have what it takes to win the league, in my opinion. For everyone associated with the football club, it would be wonderful. I may even watch the game, as I’m looking forward to it.”
Andy Walker –”You look at the faces of the Rangers fans when they lost at home to Aberdeen under Michael Beale,” the player said in an interview with talkSPORT. Rangers had little chance in the world of challenging for the championship.
Glasgow Rangers finished the season as the Scottish Premiership runners-up, which is a big improvement over last year. Still, there’s a feeling of “what could have been” because a greater title challenge was thwarted by dropped points.
Rangers struggled with consistency despite finishing in second place, Important victories were obtained, but their title challenge was impeded by lost points against weaker opponents they could have easily dispatched.
Although specifics are still lacking, participation in a European league, such as the Conference League or Europa League, would be considered a step forward with a new season in view.
Rangers have an excellent overall record in the Scottish League this season with 27 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses. Rangers have won 71% of their matches and are presently ranked second out of 12 clubs in the Premiership Table. Rangers have had great success at home, with 15 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. Their record on the road is also very good, with 12 victories, 3 draws, and 4 losses.
Rangers have scored 87 goals in the Premiership so far this year. Despite a strong home form, Rangers struggled away from home. There were shining lights during the season but were marred by some unexpected losses that saw them lose the Scottish Premiership by 12 points behind Celtic. While Rangers had some big wins like the 5 – 0 win against Dundee and Hearts, they also had a big loss of 5-1 to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
In a fierce tussle throughout the season, Rangers defeated Celtic to win the Scottish League Cup and was defeated by Celtic in the final of the Scottish Cup. The season was filled with ups and downs, some of which included a managerial change in October 2023 after a poor run of form. However, with the turn of the season, players such as James Tavernier who scored 24 goals in all competitions became a shining light in the dark. The club also made significant investments in players such as Jack Butland and Malik Tilman.
Rangers’ weaknesses in the 2023–24 season may be distilled into a few crucial areas, which helped the team finish behind Celtic in the Premiership:
Inconsistency
This was maybe the most significant flaw. Rangers lost against teams they were predicted to defeat, but they also showed moments of brilliance as shown by their high-scoring victories. Celtic was able to take advantage of this inconsistent play throughout the season and establish a lead.
Defensive Frailty
Goals conceded, especially against less formidable opponents, revealed weaknesses in the defense. Rangers were unable to maintain clean sheets on a regular basis due to a combination of personal mistakes, disorganization, and weaknesses in their set pieces.
Rangers’ season-long incapacity to regularly turn in excellent performances was a serious shortcoming. Giving up goals to inferior teams may be cause for concern.
Celtic gained the upper hand due to inconsistency, which resulted in losses or draws where triumphs were anticipated.
Weak Squad Depth
Their effectiveness may have been hampered by injuries or a deficiency of capable backups in crucial positions. After Sam Lammers scored his ninth goal in ten games, Utrecht said they will start negotiations with Rangers to sign the Dutch forward on a permanent basis. Celtic has offered academy graduates Daniel Kelly and Rocco Vata enhanced four-year contracts.
Rangers are expected to address weaknesses exposed this season at Glasgow to challenge for the Premiership title next year. Despite strong performances (2nd in the Premiership, good record), inconsistency and defensive struggles cost them points. Key attackers like Tavernier impressed, while veterans might be replaced. The focus will be on squad depth, transfers, and potentially refining tactics.