Ferguson Promises ‘A Bit of Desire’ and Energy in Rangers’ New Era
Barry Ferguson has promised Rangers fans that they will see a team brimming with “energy” and “a bit of desire” when he makes his debut as interim manager against Kilmarnock on Wednesday. The former Rangers captain, who has been appointed to the role until the end of the season following the sacking of Philippe Clement, is determined to turn things around at Ibrox and bring a much-needed spark back to the squad.
In his first media conference as interim manager, Ferguson emphasized that he is not focusing on the long-term future of the club but rather on the immediate task at hand—getting a positive result against Kilmarnock. The Belgian’s departure followed disappointing home defeats to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup and St Mirren in the Premiership, and Ferguson is ready to bring some much-needed motivation to the team.
Ferguson’s Approach to Managing Rangers
Ferguson has been away from coaching for three years since his stint at part-timers Alloa Athletic. Despite this break, he was quick to accept the call to step in as interim manager for Rangers. The club has been going through a rough patch, and Ferguson’s appointment has been met with cautious optimism from the fans. Speaking candidly about his return to front-line football, Ferguson admitted that he was initially “surprised” to get the call to take over.
“I was surprised I got the call,” Ferguson confessed. “I had no intention of coming back to managing a team, but it only took five minutes to agree to become interim manager. This is the nature of the beast here at Glasgow Rangers. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I know I will be judged game by game.”
While Ferguson made it clear that he’s focusing on the here and now, his honesty and drive have already been welcomed by both the players and the fans. He highlighted the importance of instilling belief in the squad, motivating them to improve their performances and results. “I need to get a kick out of these guys,” he said. “They certainly gave me a reaction this morning. I couldn’t have asked more of them.”
A New Energy for Rangers
One of Ferguson’s primary goals as interim manager is to inject fresh energy into the Rangers squad. The team has struggled for consistency under Clement, and Ferguson knows that a change in mentality is crucial if they are to turn their fortunes around.
“There needs to be a bit of energy and desire on the pitch,” Ferguson stated. “I was straightforward with the players today and told them: This is a brilliant place to be. You’re lucky to be here. Look at the facilities, look at the stadium. There’s no reason why we can’t perform at the highest level.”
Ferguson is not only looking to motivate the players but also to build a more positive atmosphere within the squad. He made it clear that some players may need extra support, with “an arm around them” to help boost their confidence. At the same time, Ferguson isn’t afraid to be firm with the players who need a more direct approach, even saying that some may require “a clip around the ear” to get them back on track.
Managing Expectations at Rangers
As Ferguson takes charge of the team, he is fully aware of the high expectations that come with managing a club of Rangers’ stature. The club is expected to challenge for titles, and fans are demanding improvements following a difficult spell. Ferguson understands this pressure but is confident in his ability to deliver results.
“I know I will be judged game by game,” Ferguson admitted. “But I’m not going to worry about the future beyond the Kilmarnock game. Right now, my focus is to get this team winning again. We need to take it one step at a time and build momentum from there.”
While the challenge of managing Rangers is a massive one, Ferguson is eager to embrace it. He expressed his excitement about being back on the touchline and taking charge of a team that he has such deep ties to. “I can’t wait to be on the touchline,” he said. “I know the club, I know the expectations, and I’m ready to give everything to make sure we get back to winning ways.”
A Difficult Task Ahead: Kilmarnock and Beyond
Ferguson’s first challenge as interim manager comes against Kilmarnock on Wednesday. The club suffered a defeat at Rugby Park earlier in the season, and Ferguson knows how important it is to get a positive result in his debut game. He has admitted that he hasn’t had much time with the players due to the short notice of his appointment, but he remains determined to get the best out of the squad.
“I’ve only had one training session, so we haven’t had time to go over too much,” Ferguson explained. “I’m not going to use that as an excuse, though. The players understand the way we’re going to go. We expect them to give us everything they’ve got. We need to win games of football.”
Despite the time constraints, Ferguson remains confident that his players will be ready for the task ahead. He believes that a combination of clear expectations, hard work, and a fresh mindset can help the team turn a corner and start performing at a higher level.
Ferguson’s Relationship with the Rangers Squad
As a former player who captained Rangers for many years, Ferguson has a unique connection with the club and its supporters. His deep understanding of what it means to wear the Rangers shirt will no doubt help him relate to the current squad and inspire them to improve.
Ferguson was clear in his message to the players that he expects a high standard of performance. “I want to see a bit of desire,” he said. “I want to see energy, I want to see players who care about this club and want to give everything for the team. If we get that, we can start to turn things around.”
The players will undoubtedly respect Ferguson’s passion and commitment to the cause. As a manager, he will not only look to motivate them but also hold them accountable for their performances on the pitch. He will push them to give their all, knowing that the fans expect nothing less from their team.
The Road Ahead for Ferguson and Rangers
While the road ahead is undoubtedly tough for Ferguson and his Rangers squad, there is optimism that a fresh approach can help restore the club’s fortunes. Ferguson has already demonstrated his desire to create a positive atmosphere within the squad, focusing on building confidence and instilling a winning mentality.
The task at hand is a difficult one, but Ferguson is determined to give it his all. With his experience as a former player and his strong ties to the club, Ferguson is well-positioned to lead Rangers through this challenging period and hopefully steer the team back to the top of Scottish football.
The future of Rangers may depend on how quickly Ferguson can spark a turnaround. His passion for the club, his understanding of what it means to play for Rangers, and his ability to get the best out of his players will be crucial in the coming weeks. Rangers fans are hopeful that Ferguson’s “bit of desire” and energy can help the team get back to winning ways and bring success to Ibrox once again.
Ferguson and Rangers
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