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:
9. Oliver Antman - 5
Clearly a talented player, the Finland international looked to get Rangers on the front foot in the first-half, and could have had an assist had Chermiti's positioning been better. He fizzled out too quickly, though, and was replaced before the hour mark. | TSPL Photo: TSPL
10. Djeidi Gassama - 5
So often Rangers' most creative outlet, the young Frenchman was quiet outside of a little burst into the box in the first-half. Got himself unnecessarily involved with Kornvig, picking up a booking in the process. Not his night. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Youssef Chermiti - 3
Nothing stuck with him up top, and he spent most of the evening slipping over. He had chances to break his Rangers duck, missing a glorious opportunity with his head when set up by Raskin - he has to do better in that situation. His positioning left a lot to be desired a few seconds later when Antman delivered a dangerous ball across the face of the box. The Portuguese striker is currently the poster boy for Kevin Thelwell's desperately poor summer recruitment. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
12. Substitutes:
Mikey Moore - 5 (missed Rangers' best chance of the evening shortly after coming on the pitch). Bojan Miovski - N/A (late sub) Connor Barron - N/A (late sub) Derek Cornelius - N/A (late sub) Danilo - N/A (late sub) | TSPL