David Edgar reacts to what he saw in Rangers clash v Hertha Berlin in La Manga
David Edgar was not impressed with the state of the pitch in La Manga, Spain, as Rangers lost 1-0 to Hertha Berlin in a friendly match.
With the Gers in the middle of a winter break, Philippe Clement has taken his players to a sunny destination for some warm-weather training, taking on the German side.
Deploying a relatively full-strength side against the Bundesliga 2 outfit, it would be hoped that Rangers would manage a victory on Saturday afternoon. But, as the Heart & Hands podcast founder pointed out, the pitch may not have helped their cause.
“Pitch looks rough,” Edgar wrote, taking to X to complain about the state of the football pitch.
Sounds like excuses
Although Clement will want to implement a much silkier and more easy-on-the-eye style of play during their time in La Manga, a bobbly, muddy, poor-quality pitch will be of no help whatsoever.
The pitch shows the risks of travelling to another country for some warm-weather training, with Rangers now unable to make the most of their training. Though there will be several physical benefits to the opportunity in Spain, the state of the pitch will make it much harder for Clement to stamp his mark on the squad.
However, against a German second-tier side, there is no excuse for losing, especially when 25-year-old shot-stopper, Robbie McCrorie, was the only non-regular starter at Ibrox. The goalkeeper has yet to play a game this season.
And though a friendly loss will have no direct impact on Rangers’ season, it shows the determination and attitude of the players, as they prepare for more Scottish Premiership and Europa League matches.
Either way, it is good for the players to get some more minutes in their legs as they look to restart the season at 100% with more options available for the title charge.
In other Rangers news, Manchester United transfer leaves door open for Gers to sign new left-back.