It’s fair to say the start to the season hasn’t been a kind one for Rangers. No wins in their first five league games and missing out on a Champions League place means calls for manager Russell Martin to be sacked, even though he only took charge in June.
Some fans are already writing the season off. If they could, they’d turn the football off and return for the start of the next campaign in July.
However, is the season truly over? Is there still time for Rangers – and even Martin – to turn it around and acquire a trophy or two? Here’s a closer look at what could be in store over the coming months, and why optimism remains.
Time Needed for Change
Some managers can come in and deliver instant success. Look at Arne Slot with Liverpool as a recent example. Others require a lot longer to integrate their style of play and embed new signings into the team. Rangers fans will be hoping it is a bit of both with Russell Martin.
It’s true: patience is rarely in abundance at a club like Rangers, but history shows stability usually breeds success. This is a squad in transition, one that requires time to gel. If he’s given at least a bit of breathing space to adapt and implement his tactics, results could quickly turn around.
They’re Still Only 5/1 to Win the League
At the time of writing, Rangers find themselves nine points behind Celtic. That’s after just five rounds of fixtures. Celtic remain un beaten whilst Rangers haven't yet won a game. In fact, Rangers’ start has been so lacklustre that they find themselves in the bottom half of the table.
Yet despite all this, despite all the doom and gloom, Celtic are not considered sure-fire winners of the league – at least not yet. Based on the odds at Betway Sports, Rangers are only 5/1 to end the season as Scottish champions. That is priced low considering everything that has happened over the past month.
The Scottish Premiership has long been viewed as a two-horse race. That’s still the case right now with Celtic and Rangers even if other teams such as Hearts and Hibs might offer a better challenge this year.
A Better Chance in the Europa League
Not making the Champions League wasn't great from a financial rewards point of view. However, missing out on the group stage isn’t the worst news in the world. That’s because the team will drop down into the Europa League.
Yes, the Champions League promises matches against the biggest teams in Europe. However, Rangers have little to no chance of getting to the latter stages of the competition – even the most optimistic fans would agree. The Europa League is a different kettle of fish.
There are still some strong teams in the Europa League, absolutely, but it remains a tier below the Champions League. This presents more opportunity for Rangers to score results, climb the league table phase, get into the knockout stage, and then… Who knows?
After all, if even Tottenham can win the Europa League, surely Rangers can do the same? Right?
The Scottish Cup Is Still There
It’s not the most glamourous of trophies. Nevertheless, you should never discount the Scottish Cup.
Unlike the league, this isn’t a two-horse race. That was proven last season when Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup in dramatic fashion, stunning treble-chasing Celtic with victory on penalties. Nevertheless, Celtic and Rangers are both the clear favourites to win the trophy.
Even if league and European form aren’t there, winning the Scottish Cup would at least add some positivity to the end of the season.
Conclusion
It has been a slow start, but the season is far from over for the Rangers. There remain multiple chances for silverware. If Martin finds the right formula soon, there’s every reason to think Rangers can still produce memorable moments this campaign.
