Whelan issues ‘massive’ Rangers claim after what he’s just seen at Ibrox
Noel Whelan has suggested Rangers are struggling to maintain the right “mentality and professionalism” for their league engagements.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side must treat every fixture like a “massive” game.
Rangers continued their impressive Europa League campaign with a stunning 3-0 victory against Red Star Belgrade at Ibrox last night (10 March).
However, the Gers’ league form has seen them slip three points behind Celtic in recent months – with Van Bronckhorst‘s side scoring just seven goals in their last five Scottish Premiership outings.
Whelan suggested the Rangers stars are failing to get motivated for league matches.
He told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “Bar the Old Firm – where are these big nights in the Scottish Premiership?
“This is why it’s important for Rangers and Celtic to be in these European competitions, playing against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade.
“That is what brings Ibrox and Parkhead to life. No disrespect, but playing Dundee isn’t going to set your world alight – it’s just another game.
“When you’ve had those big nights, the drop-down to the league games can sometimes take a bit of adapting to. It’s just about keeping that mentality and professionalism going.
“They need to be treating every game like it’s massive – because it is. At the end of the day, they’re fighting to reach a European final and to bring that league title back to Ibrox.”
Rangers travel to Belgrade for the second leg next week (17 March) as they look to reach the last eight of the Europa League.
The Gers face Celtic on 3 April with the opportunity to close the gap to their fierce rivals.
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