'Let’s be blunt' - Ferguson in behind-the-scenes insight into what angers Rangers dressing room

Barry Ferguson hasn’t held back in sharing a behind-the-scenes admission of an angry Rangers squad.

The 48-year-old served as the Light Blues’ interim head coach last season, stepping in to replace Philippe Clement.

He saw out the campaign before making way for the failed appointment of Russell Martin, before Danny Rohl‘s eventual appointment.

The former midfielder certainly cut a popular figure at Ibrox with his play style and brutal honesty, making him a breath of fresh air to many.

Rangers are now hunting for the title under Rohl, with Ferguson revealing what he knows about the dressing room and their feelings about the title race.

Barry Ferguson knows Rangers stars are angry about fan accusations

Things have certainly been much improved ever since the former Sheffield Wednesday boss stepped through the doors at Ibrox.

The German has contributed to a massive upturn in results and performances, leaving the Gers within reach of the Scottish Premiership title.

Only Hearts stand between them and lifting the trophy at the end of the season, with just two games remaining until the controversial split.

Despite sitting just three points behind the Maroons, there is still a feeling that the Govan club will eventually fall away in the title race.

It is exactly that which will leave the Rangers squad fuming after Ferguson told the Daily Record that the players will now want to use that to fuel their efforts moving forward.

He said: “Let’s be blunt. We have all heard the accusations which have been flying around for some years now.

“There’s no shortage of folk out there who say Rangers aren’t mentally strong enough to cope with the pressure when push comes to shove and that their players have a track record of falling flat on their faces when it matters most of all.

“On Saturday, they will walk out at a packed Ibrox knowing a win over Dundee United will take them into first position for the first time in something like two years. That’s an opportunity they have to reach out and grab. By the scruff of the neck.

“I’ve heard the criticism. We all have. And I can tell you for a fact they’ve heard it inside that dressing room too. Does it bother them? Does it anger them? You better believe it does. And so it should.

“What they have to do now is flip all that stuff on its head. In fact, I’d be making a point of bringing it up before kick off on Saturday, ‘Listen to what people are saying about us and go out there and show them how wrong they are. Let’s show them all who’s got the stomach for this!’.”

Next up for Rangers is a clash with Dundee United, and that gives them the perfect opportunity to prove themselves to everyone and prove they aren’t going anywhere.

Rangers can deal Hearts a blow this weekend

The idea of falling at the final hurdle isn’t anything new in G51 after many years of failing to match Celtic at the top of the tree.

That certainly can’t be ignored, but things feel different under Rohl.

The squad have reacted to his introduction and haven’t looked back since and are currently 10 unbeaten, excluding defeat on penalty shootouts.

Rangers have left themselves just three points behind Hearts, knowing that a win over Dundee United could land them top spot on goal difference.

If they can do that, it will prove Ferguson right and give the Ibrox faithful all the confidence that their side can go on and achieve big things.

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