The head of Rangers coach Barry Ferguson has pledged to overcome his experience from his “hard times” in Ibrox to help his team in trouble.
Former Captain – who replaced Philippe Clement in a deal by the end of this season – wants his players to “stand up to criticism” and respond against Kilmarnock on Wednesday – LIVE Heavenly.
He believes the group has underestimated domestically during the campaign – with 16 points behind Celtic, after already lost the final of the League Cup and knocking on the Scottish Cup. However, Ferguson has been impressed by the “attitude” of the players and the “appetite” since taking over.
Gers Hall of Fame Inductree – who won 15 great honors in Ibrox – is also “pleased” to be assisted by former rangers’ teams Allan McGregor, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds who “know the game inside . ”
Ferguson added that he is “proud” and “honored” to get work for the coming months, and there is no “no problem” with criticism by some fans for his lack of his high flight training experience.
Here are the main points from Sky Sports News’ Exclusive interview with the main trainer of Rangers …
His reaction to be named
“I am proud, honored and just pleased to start, and I am really looking forward to the match against Kilmarnock.
“There have been a few crazy days if I’m honest with you, but now things are starting to calm down.
“I really liked to be in the midst of the players for the first time and now it’s just to make sure we go and get results.
“The call came late late Sunday evening, it was a surprise, I will not sit here and tell you otherwise.
“It was a quick conversation.
“But thankfully I took them all in the country and we were able to enter Monday evening and start our training day Tuesday.”
The importance of the training staff
Ferguson (L), Neil McCann (C), Billy Dodds (R) and Allan McGregor all played together in the Rangers
“Issame (Charai) was already here and I undoubtedly knew little about it, so he would stay.
“As far as Billy (Dodds) and Neil (McCann), they know the game inside out and they are boys to whom I trust. They have been managers before in the past at a good level, they are very good in the grass
“Billy and Neil will be included in the training side of things and parts set. It’s not just everything for me, I am definitely manager but my training team will have roles to play during three months. Everybody will be Beautiful many hands and that is the way I like it.
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The new Rangers coach Barry Ferguson Plus Coach Allan McGregor, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds arrive on the club’s training ground after taking responsibility by the end of this season
“Allan McGregor was a fantastic goalkeeper and I think he was just itching to get back to the training side of things. Allan will be with goalkeepers, Jack (Butland), Liam (Kelly) and young people.
“I was pleased to be all three desperate to come, so it was just a security occasion that could take over the line, and when it happened, I was pleased that I had my training team ready to go and started. ”
Faced with difficult times in Ibrox
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Kris Boyd speaks at Sky Sports News about the appointment of Rangers of Barry Ferguson and believes will give ‘the whole club a lift’
“It was not always pink in the garden for me in the Rangers. I have spent some difficult times, but it’s an amazing place to play your football.
“It’s a fantastic structure in terms of training center, an iconic stadium with fans coming in every time they play in Ibrox.
“There are so many I could go through. I had some experiences, but also some difficult times.
“At this stage, the team has gone through a little bit of sticky, there is no doubt about it, we will not sit here and lie. The latest results, of course in Ibrox, have been much below.
“I’ve been in these situations, but it’s about that, accepting criticism and making sure you put a show in the next match.
“Gray is good that there is always a game around the corner and that’s what we’ve got against Kilmarnock.”
Why have the Rangers been being loved this season?
St Mirren beat Rangers 2-0 in Ibrox to make it home loss back-back
“Juits is just a lack of consistency and not winning enough football games domestically.
“European shows have been at a high level, no doubt, but maybe not in some of the domestic games.
“The Queen Park game in the Scottish Cup and also the match against St Mirren on weekends, Rangers like a football club have to win those games and that is the pressure I will make myself, my staff and my players.
“I think there are a lot of good players. I am happy with their attitude. They show a good appetite, which is important to me, and a good work ethic I will try and bring, and my staff will go try and bring.
“We know we will go to a harsh place against Kilmarnock down on Rugby Park against a manager I have a lot of respect.
“Kilmarnock are a good team, and we suffered the last time we went there, so it should be different this time. We will give our best goal, but what we have to do is be positive and Make sure we come away with three points.
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Kilmarnock Derek Mcinnes manager in appointing former teammate Barry Ferguson in Rangers and much more
What to expect from Ferguson’s Rangers
“There will be no majority changes overnight, it takes some time, but I also realize you don’t get a lot of time here.
“I’ve only had one training session but won’t use it as an excuse. I’ve prepared them properly and then we’ll get down to Kilmarnock looking to pick up the three points.
“You will see a team full of bitterness, determination, desire and a team that will go and try to win the football game. That’s what you will see from my team, you will see a team that is i fully devoted to the cause. ”
On the criticism of his appointment
Barry Ferguson has managed Lower Clyde League clubs, Kelty Hearts and Alloa
“I have no problem with that, it’s fine. I’ll take it to the chin, but that’s in the past now.
“I’m sure I will be judged every time we play a football game, but I have no problem with that.
“I had it as a player, I understand the demands and expectations of this football club.
“What I have to do is basic: to win football games, but we will have a certain way and a certain style to do it.”
Looking forward to the next season
“My focus is not on getting root or branch ratings. My focus, and the reason I brought here with my staff is to remove a rise from these players and start winning football games.
“The only discussion I had was to enter and get out of the players and make sure we get results in the football field.”
Future Rangers matches:
- February 26: Kilmarnock (a) – Scottish Prime Minister, Live in Sky Sports
- March 1: Motherwell (H) – Scottish Prime Minister
- March 6: Fenerbahce (a) – Europa League -16 last
- March 13: Fenerbahce (H) – Europa League -16 last
- March 16: Celtic (a) – Scottish Prime Minister, Live in Sky Sports
- March 29: Dundee (a) – Scottish Prime Minister, Live in Sky Sports
