Derek McInnes believes Rangers need to play at a higher tempo domestically if they're to transfer their European form to the Premiership.
Gio van Bronckhorst's side have one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals after a 3-0 home win over Red Star on Thursday, as fans begin to dream about making it all the way to Seville.
However, while results in the league have largely been good there has been concern over the performances Rangers have put in of late.
They trail Celtic by three points and were beaten 3-0 in the derby meeting at Parkhead back in February.
And Kilmarnock boss McInnes feels the champions are struggling to adapt to the different challenge of playing against packed defences.
He wrote in his Daily Mail column: "I believe there are parallels to what Walter Smith's team did in 2008, knocking out teams of greater reputation to reach the UEFA Cup final.
"But while Walter's team were very difficult to break down and found a way to win, this Rangers team has the composure and the quality to score more often. You can see that they really enjoy the European stage.
"Domestically, at times, it looks a wee bit forced, a little bit strained and anxious.
"There is a lot of pressure on these games but that comes with playing for Rangers, the players have to expect the necessity to win every week and deal with it.
"That challenge from Celtic was not there last season and Rangers were excellent. This year, every game, every point is massive and they are not performing at the same levels.
"I think criticism of the manager is unfair. He has suffered one defeat in 24 games and that came at Celtic Park.
"The Europa League has shown the standard Rangers can reach. But the bread and butter is the league. There are two Old Firm games left and it may come down to those.
"Dortmund and Red Star have had the confidence to come to Ibrox and take Rangers on.
"That affords more space for players like Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to make a difference. They don't get that scope in Scotland. It's not the same game and, contrary to what people may say, it's not easy.
"To break these tight defences, Rangers need to generate more speed, play at a higher tempo. That's why it's crucial that the full squad steps up to play its part."
