Rangers Shift Focus: Domestic Goals After European Exit

Rangers Gear Up for a Crucial Month

Rangers' recent exit from Europe may feel like a bitter pill, yet it creates an opportunity for renewed focus on domestic triumphs. Their 3-1 defeat to Porto encapsulated a European campaign fraught with inconsistency. The season began with promise—a few celebratory victories against teams like Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen that felt electric.

But it swiftly turned south. A staggering 6-0 collapse against Club Brugge left a sour taste, and the subsequent Europa League journey fell flat with a solitary league win too late to revive any hopes. Now, as the squad outweighs the distractions of overseas competitions, their eyes turn sharply to the domestic league.

A Mission to Rescue the Season

Manager Danny Rohl seemed optimistic post-Porto, declaring, “I'm now fully focused on the league.” His belief in a domestic renaissance resonates, especially given his recent success—seven straight league wins. The absence of the European spotlight could be just what the doctor ordered, allowing for sharper training and revitalized spirits.

“We have a mission, and for this, we have all our energy now.” – Danny Rohl

Upcoming fixtures pose a serious challenge. First up is a showdown with Hibs at Easter Road, followed by matches against Kilmarnock and Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup before facing off against Motherwell and Hearts—all key contenders that will truly measure the mettle of this Rangers side.

The Tactical Shift

Rohl's methods are starting to pay dividends. The two-and-a-half weeks ahead are pivotal. He emphasizes the need for everyone to step up, especially with injuries lingering and rotation crucial. With all players back in contention, they'll be relying heavily on deeper squad strength to drive forward.

Transfers: Reinforcements Needed?

The January transfer window has seen some promising additions, yet questions remain: Do they still need a striker? While Tochi Chukwuani and Andreas Skov Olsen have fortified their midfield and wing, respectively, their strike force remains a talking point. Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds echoed this sentiment, suggesting the squad would benefit greatly from a clinical forward.

When assessing the current attacking options, Youssef Chermiti's form comes under scrutiny. With only four goals this season, the need for a more prolific option is becoming increasingly apparent. The murmur of potential outgoings—players like Chermiti, Djeidi Gassama, and Danilo—could further complicate their attacking depth.

Final Thoughts

The next crucial weeks will demonstrate if Rangers can truly recalibrate and push towards reclaiming their dominance in Scottish football. They can't afford to let the fallout from their European campaign haunt them. History shows that a unified and focused Rangers squad can achieve great things. This is their moment to regroup, revitalize, and reignite the passion that drives them.