Brian Laudrup expect Giovanni van Bronckhorst to come under real scrutiny in the comings days unless he manages to beat Braga and Celtic.
Rangers face a massive Europa League second leg meeting with the Portuguese outfit at Ibrox on Thursday.
Three days later, they take on Celtic for a place in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
Anything less than two victories out of two, and Laudrup believes the Rangers fans will be asking serious questions of the Dutchman.
He insists he still backs van Bronckhorst but feels that unless they get some huge wins then doubts will continue over his managerial ability at the club.
Celtic have the Premier Sports Cup in the bag already and are within touching distance of winning the league title, and Laudrup wants Rangers to win the Scottish Cup to help improve the morale.
But he's also questioned the amount of support the Dutch boss had in the January window as Rangers struggled to get signings in that really helped the squad.
In his Daily Mail column, he said: "It is difficult to overstate the importance of the next five days for Rangers. The decisions made by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and the outcomes attained by his team could define the season and potentially influence the mood around Ibrox for even longer.
"This is it now. Two games that both carry huge significance but each with different consequences should they end in disappointment. The pressure is immense.
"First comes the Europa League second leg against Braga tomorrow evening. It would be absolutely incredible for a Scottish team to get to the semi-final of a European competition. We haven't seen that for 14 years.
"There is also a need for momentum. If Rangers can progress, it could catapult them into Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final with a new sense of belief. That's something I think they need right now. Because there is no question greater optimism resides at Parkhead.
"It's a key period for van Bronckhorst. He has been in charge for five months now and I remain supportive.
"The progress in Europe has been excellent and there is always a strong argument for a manager to be given time and his own players if he is to truly thrive. As I've said before, the January transfer window didn't do him many favours.
"But I think it's fair to say Rangers fans now seem a bit divided about Van Bronckhorst after the disappointing way the Premiership campaign has progressed.
"Is he the right man to take things forward? Is he the right man to conduct the rebuild that is looming in the summer with players out of contract or in their final year? All these questions will be asked by supporters. The best way for Van Bronckhorst to answer is obviously through results this week, particularly on Sunday. He has a chance to make a positive point and get more people onside.
"Europe has been great, that's worth repeating, but there is no doubt that ending the season without silverware would be a serious disappointment.
"I actually fancy Rangers' chances of progressing on Thursday night, but if they play well and fall short, there would be no shame in that at all. The last eight in the Europa League is still a very admirable achievement.
"But they have to win the Scottish Cup. That's what Rangers' season is depending on right now \u0097 unless there is some kind of unforeseen collapse by Celtic in the Premiership. With the players they have at Ibrox, they need to secure silverware. We're not just talking about a psychological blow if they were beaten again by Ange Postecoglou's team on Sunday. It would be a major, major setback for the whole club.
"For a new manager coming in, as Van Bronckhorst did in November, three successive Old Firm defeats would also be difficult in terms of public opinion. Especially when these are games that effectively take two trophies out of reach."
Laudrup was frustrated by the team selection from van Bronckhorst last week and is now demanding big changes for Thursday night.
He feels Kemar Roofe has to start ahead of Fashion Sakala, although the Zambian could be used off the right to offer support.
But he wants to see the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Aribo in the team too after being surprised by the lack of flair in midfield in Portugal with Glen Kamara joining Ryan Jack and John Lundstram in the team.
He added: "I hope Van Bronckhorst is bold in tackling the situation. I didn't like the way Rangers lined up for the first leg in Braga. There was a lack of flair in midfield. The set-up seemed centred on getting an okay result, taking it to Ibrox and sorting the tie there. It might work out in the end, but they came away from Portugal without a shot on target and having only created a few real chances.
"Fashion Sakala wasn't the right answer that night. And Ryan Kent was kept in no-man's land, really. That has to change completely.
"The exclusion of Aaron Ramsey raised eyebrows in Braga, but he must be fit for these forthcoming matches. After all, that's why he was brought to the club. I also hope the brilliant goal Joe Aribo scored on Sunday can maybe restore some of his energy.
"Aribo has looked tired ever since he came back from the Africa Cup of Nations. People have to understand that players who are inventive live off their football brain. If they get tired, it has an impact. I don't necessarily mean physically tired but mentally, too. The travelling and everything else can be draining.
"Sometimes, though, a moment like Aribo had against St Mirren can be enough to lift you through half a dozen or so games until you get a proper summer break. Rangers need him.
"After his hattrick on Sunday, Kemar Roofe has to start up front. But Rangers need to make sure they get bodies close to him. He can't be left isolated the way he was in the away match against Celtic in February. Ramsey, Aribo, Kent, perhaps also Sakala - they must be given scope to combine with Roofe."
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