Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish believes that Borna Barisic shouldn’t have been singled out for criticism following their recent drubbing.
McLeish was speaking after the 7-1 humiliation the Gers endured in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Barisic played the full 90 minutes, and at 3-1 down, had to contend with the introduction of Mohamed Salah down the Bears’ left flank.
The Egyptian delivered the quickest hat-trick in Champions League history, with footballscotland writer Euan Robertson claiming that the winger highlighted Barisic’s ‘defensive shortfalls’.
But despite his shoddy display, McLeish insists the Croatian can’t be solely blamed for the result.
He told Football Insider: “Barisic has had some really good performances for Rangers, he has represented his country, too.
“It’s hard to blame one guy. If you analyse the game, look at it in slow motion, you will see there are many other players who could have done this or could have done that before the ball even gets to Barisic.
“It’s collective and I don’t think it is time to single someone out. You don’t like to see it. Especially against a team like Liverpool when they are in that kind of form and they have that kind of world-class player.”
TIF Thoughts on Barisic and Rangers…
Is Barisic good enough to be Rangers first-choice left-back?
Yes
No
After spending £5m on Ridvan Yilmaz in the summer, it looked like Giovanni van Bronckhorst had found a potential replacement at left-back, but to his credit, Barisic has held down the position.
The 29-year-old has started all but one of the club’s Scottish Premiership and Champions League games, providing three assists in that time.
The 27-time Croatia international has been a fantastic servant for the Gers during his time at Ibrox and must now regain his confidence in order for the club to focus on their clash at Fir Park against Motherwell this Sunday, with success in the league now potentially a must for Van Bronckhorst following a disappointing campaign in Europe.