Interim head coach Barry Ferguson has dismissed fatigue as a factor for Rangers ahead of their crucial derby against Celtic this Sunday. The team recently triumphed over Fenerbahce in a grueling penalty shootout, advancing to the Europa League quarter-finals.

No Excuses, Only Performance

Ferguson made it clear that the 120 minutes played in the midweek match won't be an excuse for the weekend's game. 'I won't use 120 minutes as any excuse for Sunday - the players are well looked after here,' he said. 'One or two had minor issues, and we will see how they are tomorrow after today's recovery session.'

Strategic Flexibility

Rangers trail Celtic by 16 points in the Scottish Premiership, but Ferguson remains optimistic. 'We've got some huge games coming up, some really tough games,' he noted. 'Obviously, the one on Sunday, you don't get much tougher.' He emphasized the importance of strategic flexibility: 'We have a way of approaching the game that I think can get us a result. If that approach is not working then we can change it within the game as well.'

Historical Context and Motivation

Ferguson, who played in 40 Old Firm fixtures, shared his enthusiasm for the rivalry. 'It's a place I always like to go and play,' he said of Celtic Park. 'It's hostile. They're the sort of environments I like to go to.' He also mentioned the need for his players to embrace the atmosphere: 'I want my players to go and embrace these stadiums. I'm sure I'll get a nice reception.'

Recent Performance and Future Prospects

Rangers won the most recent derby 3-0 at Ibrox in early January, but they haven't been successful in the east end of Glasgow since October 2020. 'It's too long,' Ferguson admitted. 'It's a tough place to go and get a result.' Despite the challenges, Ferguson is confident in his team's ability to deliver a strong performance.