Rangers icon shares ‘incredible’ verdict as new Ibrox details emerge
Alex McLeish has hailed the “incredible resilience” shown by Rangers as their bumper 2021-22 campaign finally comes to an end.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted being “mentally strong” can transform “good players into great players”.
Rangers played 65 total matches during the 2021-22 season – with Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo, James Tavernier, and Connor Goldson all racking up over 50 appearances.
As per Transfermarkt, Goldson (second-most), Tavernier (sixth-most) and Aribo (eighth-most) all feature in the world’s top ten appearance-makers this season after a gruelling campaign.
Rangers fell short in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League final but lifted the Scottish Cup after an extra-time win over Hearts last week (21 May).
McLeish hailed the Ibrox stars’ “remarkable” stamina – citing the cup semi-final win over Celtic as a prime example.
“That’s quite incredible resilience,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“We saw it exemplified in the semi-final of the cup against Celtic.
“To come back after playing extra-time in Europe, to then go and win against Celtic in extra-time – it’s quite remarkable.
“The odds were against them because of the recent form in Old Firm games. However, the Rangers players showed their mental toughness.
“Van Bronckhorst has brought the best of that side out in his players. Having that mental strength can turn you from a good player into a great player.”
Rangers started their campaign in the Champions League third qualifying round against Malmo at the start of August.
They will be forced to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition yet again after defeat in the Europa League final.
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