In February 2012, the ordeal of the most successful Scottish club in history, Glasgow Rangers FC, began with 115 titles to Celtic’s 110. His 60 million euros of debt led him to a bankruptcy and the subsequent bankruptcy. They were months of uncertainty for the Protestant club that, finally, was sold to the British millionaire Charles Green for seven million euros. It was recast under the name The Rangers Football Club Ltd and began its new journey in the Fourth Division. The rest of the Scottish clubs so determined it by voting.
Just nine years later, the Gers they lead the Scottish League undefeated, with 23 points away with Celtic (two games less) and classified for the round of 32 of the Europa League; the latter, a competition in which they have not lost any game either (seven wins and two draws). Their only defeat so far this season came in the Cup against St. Mirren (3-2).
Rangers is the best leader of the first eleven Championships according to the ranking from UEFA. His statistics are unappealable. Of the 27 league games, they have won 24 and drawn three. He has 67 goals, by seven against, and has cleared the door 21 times. Round off his plethora of march with the two victories achieved against his eternal rival. He especially celebrated the victory at Celtic Park, on October 17 (0-2). He hadn’t won there for nine years. At Ibrox, on the second day of this year, he won 1-0.
Four courses invested Rangers in returning to the Scottish Premier. From Fourth to Second he did it as champion in two years (12-13 and 13-14), but in the Scottish Championship he spent a purgatory of two exercises with promotion in the second (15-16). Until this season he had not been able to impose his law against his historic capital rival, having to settle for two third and two second places.
The media and fans, both their own and their rivals, point to the coach, Steve Gerrard, as the main architect of the team’s extraordinary campaign. The 40-year-old former Liverpool captain landed at Ibrox Park in the summer of 2018 with minimal coaching experience at Anfield youth. However, little by little he has been building a solid group, in his image and likeness.
Watching Rangers play is like watching Gerrard play. Feeling superior, he raises the duels at a gallop (4-3-3). That eagerness to attack is reflected in the results. In the 37 meetings in all the competitions he adds 97 goals. On nine occasions he has scored four or more goals, with Hamilton 8-0 as the best sample button. The set piece is one of his favorite weapons.
Gerrard has modeled this champion team throughout his three years at Ibrox. In the current squad there are only two players from before his arrival, the captain, James Tavernier, and Rayan Jack. The first, a 29-year-old Englishman, has become the most transcendent footballer. From his right-back position, he is the top scorer, 11 goals, and the best assistant, 10 passes on goal. You can also play inside and center. The great addition this season has been Ianis Hagi, 22, bought from Belgian Genk for 3.5 million euros; Born in Istanbul, son of the legendary left-hander George Hagi and Romanian international; offensive midfielder, he has scored four goals and has provided nine goal passes to date.
The Rangers, founded in March 1872, —maintains its seniority and track record despite the re-foundation—, discounts days to be champion. It will be their first title since the double of the 2010-11 season, when they were still Glasgow Rangers and will end Celtic’s streak of nine consecutive championships. Sir Steven Gerrard is very much to blame for it.
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