Danny Röhl’s reign as Rangers manager got under way with a dismal 3-0 defeat against SK Brann as their Europa League hopes were left hanging in the balance after a dreadful night in Bergen.
The new era was ushered in at Rangers with the appointment of the 36-year-old German on Monday, but the same old problems reared their ugly head, as goals from Emil Kornvig (40), Jacob Sørensen (55), and Noah Emmanuel Jean Holm (81) settled the clash in south-western Norway.
Rangers’ third successive defeat in the competition, the Ibrox outfit now sit rock bottom of the Europa League table with zero points, and a minus five goal difference. Their hopes of reaching the knockout stages are growing slimmer by the game.
Röhl will now turn his attention to the crucial Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock this Sunday. Just one win from their opening eight league matches, he’ll hope to secure their first home league victory of the season and begin the turnaround his side so desperately needs after their start to the campaign.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Rangers player in the 3-0 loss to SK Brann:
5. Jayden Meghoma - 4
Didn't get out to stop crosses coming into the box enough. Decent going forward, but the 19-year-old often looks like a deer caught in the headlights. His Glasgow experience may benefit him later down the line, but Rangers need someone with more than a handful of senior appearances right now. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Nico Raskin - 5
He was unlucky in the first-half when his shot was blocked from a corner, and his cross for Chermiti deserved a better finish. Caught in possession a couple of times by an energetic Brann midfield, though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Joe Rothwell - 3
His passing stats look good on paper (93%), but too often the passes are safe. Rangers lack leaders on the pitch, and, as one of the experienced pros, he needs to offer so much more. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Thelo Aasgaard - 5
He fluffed a good chance after being set up by Tavernier that he'll be disappointed with, before his footing let him down when Antman fed him in the box. Showing some improvement, but frustrating tonight. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group