David McCarthy slams Rangers ‘incompetence’ over Europa League decision
Journalist David McCarthy has criticised Rangers for the “incompetence” they showed in not naming Ridvan Yilmaz in their Europa League squad.
Yilmaz was left off the Gers’ UEFA squad list in September, during Michael Beale’s time in charge, meaning he can play no part in any of their group matches.
That decision came back to haunt Rangers on Thursday (26 October) as fellow left-backs Borna Barisic and Dujon Sterling were also ruled out of against Sparta Prague.
Writing for the Daily Record on Friday (27 October), McCarthy said: “Beale’s decision to go only with Borna Barisic, who is no stranger to an injury, and exclude Ridvan Yilmaz looked strange at the time.
“Now it just looks like incompetence and it was [Philippe] Clement who had to pick up the pieces of another man’s folly. The new manager had to completely rip up the shape of the team to accommodate the fact he didn’t have a left-back.”
Strange
Due to three left-backs being ruled out against Sparta, Clement went with John Souttar, Connor Goldson and Ben Davies across the back, with Abdallah Sima operating as a left wing-back.
To say it was far from ideal is an understatement, especially in what was an important game for the Gers in their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
As it was, Clement’s men held out for a goalless draw in the Czech capital that leaves them in a good position to push on in Group C.
Yilmaz is eligible to face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday (29 October), but Barisic may well be back from injury by then.
With a far more competent manager now in place in the form of Clement, you can rest assured that the Turkey international will be added to the European squad should Rangers make it through the group stage.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have been accused of jumping on the bandwagon regarding a recent decision they made.