Rangers’ European highs paper over cracks at club lurching between crises

In Scotland, Rangers Football Club is currently navigating a troubling period marked by a lack of stability in their leadership structure. The club has not had a permanent chairman since John Bennett's departure in mid-September, and the absence of key roles such as a sporting director and head of football operations has created uncertainty within the organization. Recent managerial decisions reflect this tumult, as Philippe Clement faces mounting pressure after a disheartening performance against Kilmarnock following a brief glimmer of hope with Celtic dropping points. Rangers supporters are urged to remain cautious about the club's future despite a European match outcome that might seem promising. The team's Olympic ambitions have been overshadowed by poor performance domestically, where they have recorded fewer goals than other less-favoured teams like Dundee United. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about their competitiveness in the Scottish Premiership. Additionally, the management's inability to curb the influence of certain factions within the supporter base, particularly regarding the use of pyrotechnics during matches, suggests ongoing dysfunction that hampers the club's focus on stability and improvement. The current operation includes temporary leadership and a lack of coherent strategy reflecting the broader need for organizational reforms. Overall, until Rangers can stabilize its upper management and clarify its direction, there is heightened uncertainty about its long-term prospects and performance in both domestic and European competitions.