Giovanni van Bronckhorst insisted before the defeat to Ajax last week that he was content with the work that Rangers had done this summer, that he had faith in the handful of signings made and the squad that he had at his disposal. After it, he claimed it was unrealistic to expect Rangers to compete at this level without spending ‘hundreds of millions’ as the Europa League finalists were humbled.
The messages were mixed in Amsterdam. The same could be said at Ibrox as, seven days on from the Group A opener, Rangers attempted to kick-start a faltering campaign against Napoli.
This 3-0 defeat, one that was harsh and unmerited, won’t do that. Yet there are positives to take out of a performance that was encouraging as Rangers found improvement when it was needed most and against the odds.
When Rangers were left humiliated at Parkhead a couple of weeks ago, none of the players who were recruited this term were on the pitch after the hour mark. Here, not one of them would make the starting line-up as Van Bronckhorst had to revert to those who had done it not just for him but for Rangers over recent seasons.
Five of the side that were given the nod – Allan McGregor, James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Scott Arfield and Alfredo Morelos – have been here since the start of Rangers’ recovery on the continent. In July 2018, they helped Steven Gerrard’s side to victory over FK Shkupi in his first competitive fixture as manager.
Ryan Kent arrived a couple of weeks later and made his debut against Osijek and only John Lundstrum, signed last summer, and January recruit James Sands were not part of the side that Gerrard guided to title 55 two seasons ago. On the bench, a quintet of Van Bronckhorst’s recruits watched on, deemed not suitable of the challenge of overcoming the Serie A leaders on a night that carried huge significance on and off the park.
The line-up spoke to the longevity and quality of those that were here in the early days and are still able to be called upon on this term. Yet it is a damning indictment of the transfer strategy and the work of Van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson, the sporting director.
The Dutchman made a passionate case for his signings and his squad in Amsterdam. But his actions ultimately speak louder than his words and this selection, and the performance that followed it, said it all about just where Rangers are right now.
Injury denied Van Bronckhorst the services of John Souttar and Tom Lawrence and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. That excuse doesn’t apply to Ben Davies, Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo or Antonio Colak, though, as Rangers were left with several million pounds worth of signings, plus loanee Malik Tillman, sitting behind the boss for most of the night.
The blame game has resulted in fingers being pointed at several influential figures at Ibrox in the aftermath of the defeats to Celtic and Ajax. Before a ball was kicked against Napoli, questions were raised again around the investment in the squad from the boardroom and the competency of those charged with spending what funds were made available.
The 90 minutes that followed were justification for Van Bronckhorst’s calls. There were moments when Napoli showcased their class, but there was enough in the showing, even in terms of the basics like endeavour and organisation, to keep a fragile crowd onside.
When McGregor stepped up with not one, but two, wonderous, age-defying penalty saves, Ibrox believed it could be another night to remember, that Rangers could somehow achieve the seemingly impossible once again. As Piotr Zielinski was twice denied from 12 yards, it was proof that form is temporary but class is permanent as McGregor added another incredible moment to his personal highlights reel.
Minutes later, he was unable to make it a hat-trick. A Matteo Politano effort agonisingly evaded his outstretched arm and ten-man Rangers found themselves behind.
Late strikes from Giacomo Raspadori and Tanguy Ndombele skewed the scoreline in Napoli’s favour. It was a result that Rangers didn’t deserve but one that they have to come to terms with as Van Bronckhorst seeks to end a run of three without a win.
Once again, he might have to go with those who have been over the course and distance before when the Premiership title race resumes on Saturday.
