Rangers suffered the stigma of producing the worst group stage performance in Champions League history.
They lost all six matches, scoring just two goals, and suffered the humiliation of a 7-1 defeat by Liverpool, the worst result they have ever experienced at Ibrox as well as a chastening 4-0 loss to Ajax in Amsterdam.
However, new boss Michael Beale reckons it has been a massive positive for him. Despite the awful results, playing at elite level has made Rangers more attractive to a higher standard of player - like Nico Raskin, who should finally received his work permit today.
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Beale said: “It was huge we got to the Europa League final last year. Absolutely huge. People look at that and go: “Wow”. I know the Champions League run didn’t go well this year for whatever reason.
“But to play in a Europa League final and then go in the Champions League opens you up to a different level of player. If I think of the players from when I first arrived in 2018, it shows the progress of the club.
“Sometimes I feel the only people who understand that and respect it are the ones inside the building who have gone on that journey.
“Then I think it’s about having a real clear vision of where we’re going in the future. I’d like to re-energise the age of the squad – and the hunger. I’m seeing good signs at the moment.
“If you look at Nico and Malik at 20, 21, Cantwell at 24, Matondo who will come again at 21, the age of the group is starting to look good."
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