Former Ibrox striker Steven Thompson has offered his view on Rangers.
Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson
Pundit Steven Thompson has been quoted by The Scottish Sun as saying that he is re-thinking his prediction for Rangers’ season – and thinks Mark Warburton is being stubborn with his tactics.
The Gers lost 2-1 away at Aberdeen on Sunday, meaning it’s now just one point from the last three league games for Mark Warburton’s men.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Rangers have won only twice in their first seven games of the season, and are without a win in their last four league games as Warburton’s men struggle to get going.
Warburton is now under pressure after a slow start to the season, and given that Rangers already lie seven points behind Old Firm rivals and league leaders Celtic, a title challenge seems a distant dream right now.
After Sunday’s defeat to Aberdeen, former Rangers striker and current pundit Steven Thompson has offered his view on the club, as quoted by The Scottish Sun.
General view outside the stadium before the match
Thompson stated that his pre-season prediction was that Rangers would finish second behind Celtic, but he’s now unsure on that after the club’s start to the campaign.
The former striker added that he likes watching Rangers’ style of play under Warburton’s management, but thinks Warburton needs to show a willingness to change things up rather than stubbornly sticking to his principles throughout.
Thompson pointed to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, suggesting that he changes his system in matches – and Warburton should do the same to stop Rangers from being so predictable.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
“At the start of the season I tipped Gers to be runners-up behind, Celtic, but I wouldn’t be so sure now,” said Thompson. “Nine points after seven games is not great. You can go on about performances all you like, it’s results that matter at Ibrox above all else.”
“Warburton had the dream year to begin with. Everything went well and it was an exciting time for Rangers fans. There’s no getting away from it, Rangers, when they were in full flow, were great to watch. I like his brand of football, I enjoy watching it. However, there’s also a lack of versatility there too.”
“It’s one thing having a philosophy and sticking to it. But I think you must have a willingness to change, and adapt to what’s happening. It seems Warburton just refuses to stray from what he fundamentally believes in. Every other manager has a different formation depending on the opposition. Brendan Rodgers often changes his system during matches. But Warburton is very rigid, and arguably that makes it relatively easy for the other teams to play against them,” he added.
Do you think Warburton needs to change his tactics?
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