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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Martin McMillan

Ross McCrorie identifies issues Rangers 'need to rectify quickly'

Ross McCrorie spoke on Rangers' issues (Image: Adam Nurkiewicz/Shutterstock)

Ross McCrorie insists Rangers must quickly resolve the structural issues and individual mistakes that have marred the start of their season.

The team's woes were highlighted following their Europa League defeat to Jagiellonia Białystok on Thursday night.

The 28-year-old remains optimistic that Derek McInnes' side can find their rhythm despite only securing one point from their opening two fixtures of the 2026/27 campaign.

Rangers began strongly in Poland, taking the lead within four minutes, but were soon exposed in transitions, allowing Jagiellonia to capitalise.

Reflecting on these moments, McCrorie admitted Rangers' off-the-ball structure was insufficient.

He said: "We were a bit open at times and we never locked it up.

"So when we were attacking, we should have had the box locked up - we didn’t and they got a counterattack.

"We should never be in that position where we've got them recovery runs."

McCrorie further emphasised the need for immediate improvements, given the fast-paced nature of the season.

He stated: "We need to rectify, we need to rectify it quickly because games are coming thick and fast."


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The midfielder also noted the parallels between their recent matches against Jagiellonia and Dundee United.

In both games, the team appeared too open, necessitating significant tactical adjustments during the interval.

Individual errors also played a crucial role in the goals conceded.

Despite these challenges, McCrorie remains confident that progress will come as the newly assembled squad continues to gel.

He said: "The progress will come, no doubt.

"As a whole new team, that's no excuse. We need to start winning."

McCrorie also highlighted the need for a certain level of confidence within the team.

He said: "As a Rangers player, you've got to be confident.

"You need to have that … not quite arrogance. But it's that quiet confidence about yourselves that you can go out and do the job at the end of the day.

"What we need to do is rectify the small mistakes that are killing us."

Rangers face Hibernian at Ibrox on Sunday as McInnes seeks his first competitive victory as manager.

The club has focused on recruiting the right personalities alongside the right footballing profiles this summer.

McCrorie believes the current squad has the mentality needed to meet the expectations of representing Rangers.

He said: "All the boys in there, that's why we joined this club, because every game is massive.

"The demand to win in every game, the pressure… That's why boys want to come here.

"Because once you get it rocking, it's one of the best clubs in the world to play for."

Sunday's match will also mark McCrorie's first competitive appearance at Ibrox since returning to the club.

The midfielder feels he has returned as a different player to the teenager who first came through the ranks.

He said: "Back in the day when I was here I was a kid - now I'm 28.

"I'm experienced, I've been down the Championship, I was a few years at Aberdeen as well.

"I came back here because I felt ready to take on more responsibility as a player.

"And I want to come back and try and make a successful Rangers team."

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