Ryan Kent opens up on Rangers form fluctuations between Scotland and Europe
The difference in the level of quality between European and domestic games is behind the big swings in Rangers performances, says Ryan Kent.
Gers have looked like world-beaters in the Europa League, outplaying Borussia Dortmund and coming away from the first leg against Red Star Belgrade with a 3-0 victory, but have found recent SPFL games much more of a slog.
Draws on return to league duty followed both of the big games against the German side, and star winger Kent says it is because better teams in Europe are trying to play more football.
Speaking ahead of the return leg in Belgrade he said, via Football Scotland: “I think the level of opposition goes up, which tends to make the games a lot more open.
“There is a lack of parking the bus and tripling up or doubling up on players. It gives me more opportunity to do what I do.
“Each player in the team probably raises their level a little bit more, given the opposition in these games.”
Need to adapt
It is undeniable that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side has raised their game admirably in the last few games on the continent.
But it is one of the cliches of football that it shouldn’t take much to get players motivated for big occasions, and the real test comes in getting them focused on the lesser events.
It is not a new development that Rangers are a giant in the Scottish game, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that teams aren’t attempting an expansive game against them.
It’s very much the assignment at Ibrox to be able to break down league opposition even if they are stacking men behind the ball.
As reigning champions, opponents will raise their game in the same way Gers have against the likes of Dortmund.
It comes with the territory, so frustrating as it no doubt is for exciting attackers like the Light Blues winger, he and his side need to work on finding answers if they want to avoid losing their league crown.
In other Rangers news, one ex-Celtic star admits his former side have fallen down compared to Gers in a particular area.