Rangers Defender Admits Mentality Questions Are Justified After Derby Collapse
Rangers defender John Souttar has conceded that supporters are right to question his team's mental fortitude following a dramatic collapse in the Old Firm derby on Sunday. The 29-year-old Scotland international, however, has made a passionate plea for fans to reserve definitive judgment until the conclusion of the season.
A Stunning Capitulation at Ibrox
The match saw Rangers establish a commanding 2-0 halftime lead, thanks to a brace from striker Youssef Chermiti, putting them firmly on course for a crucial victory in the Scottish Premiership title race. The second half, however, witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Celtic fought back to secure a 2-2 draw, leaving the Ibrox crowd stunned by the nature of the capitulation.
Manager Danny Rohl refused to accept that his team had "bottled" the opportunity, despite squandering a glorious chance to close the gap on league leaders Hearts. Souttar, who captained the side in the absence of the regular skipper, acknowledges that the performance has inevitably raised serious questions about the squad's psychological resilience.
Souttar's Call for Perspective and Focus
"Yeah, of course that's going to be the question," Souttar stated when directly asked if Rangers possess a mentality problem. "And what I can say is, we need to be judged at the end of the season. There's nine games left and, if I was a fan looking just now, I'd be asking the same questions, it's natural."
The defender emphasized the need for immediate and flawless execution in the remaining fixtures. "But, for me, we've got to be really clean the next nine games. We've got to stand up, we've got to win and we can't afford slip-ups. Hearts are six points ahead, so it's up to them, and we've got to hope they drop points. We've got to win every game. But I'd say ask us at the end of the season and judge us then."
Hearts Capitalise as Title Race Intensifies
The draw proved highly beneficial for Hearts, who defeated Aberdeen on Saturday to extend their lead at the summit to six points. Derek McInnes's side continues to grind out results, with Souttar admitting they now hold a significant advantage. "Yeah, of course, six points, there's no two ways about that," he said of his former club. "They are the main beneficiaries. If I was them, I'd be feeling the exact same way. But there's a long way to go. There's nine games and everyone's got to play each other."
He reiterated the narrow margin for error facing Rangers. "So as much as it feels there's six points now, let's see after nine games. But it's obvious we've got to be clean now, we can't afford anymore slip-ups. We've got to be on it."
Analyzing the Dramatic Shift in Momentum
Reflecting on the match itself, Souttar described the first half as one of the most one-sided Old Firm encounters he has experienced at Ibrox, with Rangers dominant in all phases. "I thought we were dominant, off the ball on the ball. I thought everyone was right on it we played in the front foot. We were aggressive. We played in their half."
The dramatic shift after the break left him searching for explanations. "Then we started second like that after that first five minutes, and then after that, we did the complete opposite. We didn't get tight enough, we didn't put them under the same pressure we were putting them under. We allowed them to play their game, get on the ball and playing between the lines and then when you do that, there's going to be moments and chances in the game and two of them fell to them."
He concluded, "Yes, it's difficult to find the words as to how difficult it is to take." The result leaves Rangers with a monumental task to overhaul Hearts in the final nine games, with their mental strength now under intense scrutiny.
