Brian Laudrup believes Rangers squad is still deeply wounded from Giovanni van Bronckhorst era
Brian Laudrup has insisted that despite a promising start under Michael Beale, Rangers are “still a wounded squad” following their dismal start to the season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The Gers are currently nine points behind league-leaders Celtic after a poor run of form under their former manager, which in turn prompted a managerial change in the Ibrox dugout.
Beale’s men travel to Aberdeen tonight (Tuesday 20 December) is their first of three matches in the next eight days and could prove vital if they are to mount a title charge in the second half of the season.
Although the 42-year-old’s side claimed a nervy 3-2 win against Hibernian at Ibrox, the ex-Rangers player admitted there were still signs of a squad devoid of confidence.
Writing for the Daily Mail, and as reported by Rangers Review, Laudrup said: “Beale’s debut at home against Hibernian was a step forward. It wasn’t perfect, in fact, some of the defending during the first half was shocking.
“But there was enough in the character of the comeback and the greater energy within the performance to make it a positive start for the Englishman. Both of those traits appeared lacking at points during the latter part of Van Bronckhorst’s reign.
“Rangers are still a wounded squad. You could see it during moments of last week’s game.”
Confidence growing
Despite the below-par start to the season, recent signs from Ibrox suggest that the side is slowly coming into its own.
The 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen was backed up with a somewhat indifferent win against Hibs, but winning football matches breeds confidence, and this growing belief is plain for all to see.
The Englishman has installed a new-found attacking impetus into the Gers, with Ryan Kent rejuvenated and Fashion Jr a livewire in the attacking third throughout the match against Hibs.
Are there still little signs of a nervous side? Yes, there probably are, but the new regime is a breath of fresh air compared to the ever-so-slightly lethargic Van Bronckhorst.
Beale has already snapped up Leon King on a long-term contract, and his belief in the academy has been highlighted by his handling of Alex Lowry and Adam Devine.
Fans mustn’t get too carried away, but the early signs are promising.
In other Rangers news, Charlie Nicholas savages Ibrox star as he shares Michael Beale’s ‘biggest concern’ at the club.