Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes that exiting Europe is a “blessing in disguise” for Rangers.
Following a humiliating defeat on matchday four of their Champions League campaign, the Gers’ exit from the competition was confirmed.
Their 7-1 loss to Liverpool leaves Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side bottom of Group A still without a point and in danger of being eliminated from Europe altogether.
However, Whelan feels that it won’t necessarily be a bad thing for the club.
Whelan told Football Insider:
“No one likes to be knocked out of a competition, least of all the Champions League – but it’s a gulf in class.
“Defensively, they should have done a lot better. You can’t be conceding seven, even against a team like Liverpool – that’s embarrassing.
“It can’t be good for confidence.
“I think being out of that competition and not taking these hidings could probably benefit them.
“It lets them concentrate on the Scottish Premiership and the race with Celtic.
“I can tell you, without a doubt for both Rangers and Celtic, being knocked out is a blessing in disguise.”
TIF Thoughts on Whelan’s comments…
Will Giovanni van Bronckhorst still be at Rangers by Christmas?Yes
No
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Journalist Mark Guidi did claim last week on the GO Radio Football Show that GVB’s job is ‘on the line’ and that he will need to regain the Scottish Premiership title to keep his job.
No European commitments would afford the 47-year-old to focus solely on domestic duties and winning the bread and butter.
With a two-point lead to make up on their rivals Celtic the race for the title is still wide open but a crushing 4-0 defeat in the first Glasgow derby earlier this season could be foreboding.
Failure to win a 56th league trophy for the club could well spell the end for GVB.