'That's not a Rangers team' – Ferguson rages after Hibernian defeat
Barry Ferguson told his players they were not fit to represent Rangers after their dreadful season hit a new low with defeat to Hibernian.
Barry Ferguson was seething after Rangers made history with a fifth straight home defeat, questioning his players' attitude and warning their season could "peter out".
Dylan Levitt and Martin Boyle scored as Hibernian earned an impressive 2-0 victory at Ibrox on Saturday – ending their 11-game losing streak in head-to-head league games at Rangers.
The defeat leaves Rangers 13 points adrift of runaway Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, who they beat on their travels before the international break.
Celtic will now be crowned champions for a fourth straight season if they win their next two matches – away at St Johnstone and at home to Kilmarnock.
Ferguson was most displeased with his players' attitude as the worst home losing streak in the club's history stretched to five games.
"That's not a Rangers team. Miles from being a Rangers team. This is your bread and butter," he said at his post-match press conference.
"I've said it, I feel I'm repeating myself. European games, Celtic games are the easiest games to get up for. These are the games this group of players struggle with, and it was evident today.
"You're playing for Glasgow Rangers. If you can't get up for games of football, then you shouldn't be playing football. Especially here, you come into a place like this.
"Brilliant stadium and supporters, packed to the rafters getting behind you, and we put a performance on like that. As you can probably see or hear, I'm fuming."
Rangers face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday, then travel to Aberdeen before the second leg in the Basque Country.
Ferguson is planning big changes for the final weeks of the season. He said: "As a Rangers fan, coming to Ibrox, you want to see free-flowing, attractive football.
"I don't think we can do that. So I need to go away and think long and hard about what way we're going to approach it with my staff.
"But I've got a real good idea what way I'm going to do now for the end of the season."
The former midfielder is desperate to ensure his spell as interim manager does not fizzle out, adding: "It's about pride.
"This is in real danger of just petering out. I know we're in the Europa League, but those are easy games to get up for.
"I will make changes; I'm not scared to make changes. I need a team that's willing to put their bodies on the line."