Revealed: The Rangers XI Who Lost to TNS | OneFootball

There is a lot of chatter just now as Rangers continue their preparations ahead of the new campaign. The fixtures may only be friendlies but that does not stop fans from reacting strongly when performances and results fail to meet even the most basic expectations. While it is far too early to draw conclusions, a few warning signs are already there and supporters are absolutely right to question what they are seeing on the pitch.

The most glaring issue so far came in the form of that loss to The New Saints. Rangers fielded a fairly solid XI in that one, featuring the likes of Danilo, James Tavernier, Kieran Dowell and goalkeeper Liam Kelly. Jefte also featured, with Propper and Nsiala lining up in defence. Rice and Curtis were also in attendance. On paper this was a group more than capable of taking care of a Welsh side preparing for European qualifiers, but they were second-best in most departments. The decisive goal came from Robin Pröpper and it was no more than the hosts deserved. Rangers looked slow, laboured and out of sync.

This comes on the back of a summer that has seen plenty of new faces arrive yet very little in the way of structure or identity. Even with the cancelled Australia trip meant to allow for more settled arrangements closer to home, the evidence so far suggests the team is not responding well. Questions will rightly be asked about fitness and tactical cohesion. Rangers are known for expecting high standards and dropping a result to a part-time side, even in a friendly, will never be taken lightly. It does not help when communication from Ibrox remains silent on several fronts.

The photo of that match says a lot. You can see Danilo’s expression tells its own story. Tavernier appears disengaged. The midfield lacked energy with Dowell and Connor Barron failing to dictate, while young Ross McCausland could not find space. Even Lewis Kelly, in the second half, struggled to make an impact. This is not to say the players do not care, but the urgency simply was not there. This is Rangers Football Club. Whether pre-season or not, standards must be upheld. And right now, they are falling short.