Craig Moore lamented false dawns this season as he pointed the finger at Rangers transfer chiefs for failing to make an impression in the market this summer after the Light Blues lost 3-0 to Napoli.
In what was the first Champions League group stage clash at Ibrox for 12 years, goals from Matteo Politano, Giacomo Raspadori and Tanguy Ndombele sunk Gio van Bronckhorst's men after a performance that could only be described as measly unfolded from the home side. It leaves Rangers as the only side without a point in Group A, and even qualification in to the Europa League knockout rounds now looks to be unlikely.
But you can never say never in the Champions League, especially after two games. Rangers may not have been properly at the races in their first two fixtures in the group, but they have four left to turn that around - and Moore believes that all the Govan-based outfit need to show is a vastly increased amount of determination, hunger and desire if they are to take anything at all from this year's competition.
"Too many times this season there's been false dawns, there's been hope of turning a corner with a better performance, but it hasn't been backed up," Moore told Sky Sports. "A lot of fans are frustrated, there's no doubt about that, they're scratching their heads. Recruitment seems to be an issue - of the seven players to come in this season, two are injured and five were on the bench last night, not even starting! It's a strange situation with maybe something happening behind the scenes that we aren't 100 per cent on.
"The strange thing is, like I said, is that to be successful everybody needs to be on the same page, there's no doubt about that. Even Leon King, who I think is a great young talent, and gets his opportunity last night - but you've got a £4million defender in Ben Davies on the bench last night. There are things that seem a little bit unclear, but Rangers have to dust themselves down and most importantly show that determination, hunger and desire on a weekly basis."
One positive that Moore did find was the return of Allan McGregor to the starting XI. The 40-year-old had been dropped this summer in favour of Jon McLaughlin, although some uninspiring performances from McLaughlin - especially in the Old Firm derby, where his mistakes saw Rangers lose 4-0 at Celtic Park - had fans calling for McGregor's return.
Despite saving two penalties, one including a retake, he was powerless to prevent Politano from opening the scoring from 12 yards at the third time of asking; though Moore backed the veteran for his continued importance to the side.
Moore continued: "For me there's never ever been doubt that Allan McGregor is number one. He's again shown that last night. Would he have gotten the chance is Jon McLaughlin didn't pick up an injury? We don't know!
"But again, I think that Allan showed that the big saves, the two penalty saves and one in the first half, he has that. It gives you a lot of confidence and can put you in a position to go on and win matches."
Liverpool are up next at Anfield, before the return leg takes place at Ibrox just one week later. And with Ajax or Napoli therefore guaranteed to pick up points over the next two gameweeks, the Gers must pick up something from the games against Liverpool. Moore, however, is not confident.
"It's not great. It's going to be two tough games, first one being down there. Rangers need to get something, but it's an uphill battle," Moore added. "I don't think anybody thought Rangers were going to win the group, but it's just being competitive and making sure the hunger is there. They forgot that for large parts of the game last night."
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