Jose Cifuentes shares admission as Rangers star snubbed for Ecuador victory
Rangers star Jose Cifuentes has shared an admission after he was snubbed by Ecuador in their victory over Uruguay on 12 September.
Speaking to Ecuadorian radio station Sucre FM after the game, the 24-year-old said anything can still happen after his country recorded their first success of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026 with a 2-1 win.
Despite being an unused sub, the midfielder said it was a “turning point” for Ecuador as they moved onto zero points, having previously been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.
“We learned something in the Argentina game and I think it showed in today’s game,” said Cifuentes. “The group came together and this was the turning point.
“I believe in this strong group. I think many things happen in groups there (South America) and we have only one important win.”
Fresh
There is no doubt that Cifuentes will have been disappointed at not being selected for the game against Uruguay on Tuesday night.
It will probably have come as a surprise to him after he started in the game against Argentina on Friday, where his team lost 1-0, courtesy of a Lionel Messi goal.
But he still seemed in reasonably good spirits when speaking to the radio station as he will be pleased to have seen his side pick up a much-needed win.
The Ecuadorian’s absence means he should be fresh for Rangers’ visit to St. Johnstone at the weekend despite having to make the long flight back to Glasgow.
The midfielder hasn’t been entirely convincing in his opening few games for the Light Blues, but it could take time for him to adapt following his move from Los Angeles FC to Ibrox over the summer.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has revealed there has been a fallout of “epic proportions” behind the scenes at Ibrox.