‘Could be’: Rangers ace shares possible reason for Ibrox side’s downturn in form

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Glasgow Rangers defender Borna Barisic has given his take on the Ibrox side’s slump in recent weeks, in conversation with Croatian outlet Sportske Jutarnji.

Steven Gerrard’s charges finished 2019 strongly, winning the Old Firm derby away at Celtic to go into the winter break just two points behind the Scottish Premiership leaders and with a game in hand.

Since then, however, Rangers have suffered a huge downturn in form, slipping to a massive 12 points behind Neil Lennon’s side, as well as exiting the Scottish Cup at the hands of Hearts in the quarter-finals.

The only solace for the Ibrox side is their continued participation in the Europa League following their impressive performances in the round of 32 tie against Braga, while Celtic have been knocked out of the competition.

Barisic admits that Celtic are “running away from us” in the league but looked on the bright side, given the Ibrox side’s game in hand and two Old Firm derbies still to go, as well as hoping the win over Braga could be a turning point.

The Croatian also suggested that the team’s long season, which began competitively in July, could be one of the reasons why Rangers are now suffering, suggesting the wear and tear of the “long and difficult road” could be catching up with the Gers players.

“Celtic took maximum points so they’re now running away from us with 12 points but we have a game in hand and still have to play them (twice),” Barisic told Sportske Jutarnji. “We haven’t given up on it yet, but it will be difficult.

“Scottish clubs, as well as our manager, are known for never surrendering and we’ll do our best to get back into the title fight. We’ve had a long and difficult road, we’ve played about 40 matches and it’s only March. That could be one of the reasons for the drop in the last few games.

“Who knows, maybe getting past Braga will be a turning point that brings new victories and catching up with Celtic. We showed our strength against them head-to-head, it’s matches against other teams that have cost us. We’re not looking for excuses though because physically and mentally we’re prepared really well.”

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While Rangers have experienced a long season, so have Celtic, who will play their 52nd game of the campaign on Wednesday night.

While the Ibrox side has dropped points to teams they shouldn’t be dropping points to, the Hoops have been quietly going about their business and dispatching of teams with great efficiency.

Last month, after Rangers conceded twice late on to lose 2-1 to Kilmarnock, Gerrard told BBC Sport: “I thought we had the mentality and the characters to sustain a push but on the evidence of the last four, five weeks I’m getting proven wrong.”

Hopefully Rangers will be able to rally round and pick up form again, but unfortunately it’s looking increasingly unlikely that the Light Blues’ bitter rivals will loosen their grip on top spot now.