Rangers ready to profit from ’embarrassing’ development – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed an exit from the Champions League could be a “blessing in disguise” for Rangers.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Ibrox club’s “hidings” in the competition “can’t be good for confidence”.
Rangers’ elimination from the Champions League was confirmed after their 7-1 home loss against Liverpool on Wednesday (12 October).
The Glasgow giants have conceded 16 goals in four matches and have managed just one goal in reply.
Nevertheless, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side can still qualify for the Europa League’s latter stages if results elsewhere in Group A go their way.
Rangers’ rivals, Celtic, have also been knocked out of Europe’s premier club competition after picking up just one point from their opening four group games.
The Gers sit just a point behind the Hoops after nine Scottish Premiership games.
Whelan claimed exiting the Champions League will allow Rangers to “concentrate” on wresting the title back from Parkhead.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “No one likes to be knocked out of a competition, least of all the Champions League – but it’s a gulf in class.
“Defensively, they should have done a lot better. You can’t be conceding seven, even against a team like Liverpool – that’s embarrassing.
“It can’t be good for confidence.
“I think being out of that competition and not taking these hidings could probably benefit them.
“It lets them concentrate on the Scottish Premiership and the race with Celtic.
“I can tell you, without a doubt for both Rangers and Celtic, being knocked out is a blessing in disguise.”
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