Kenny Miller has told BBC Sport that Borna Barisic had such a bad half for Rangers as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were blown away in the first 45 minutes of the first Old Firm game away from Ibrox this season.
Barisic was taken off at the break by van Bronckhorst after a nightmare first-half against Celtic. Two goals from Reo Hatate and another from Liel Abada helped Ange Postecoglou’s men put the game to bed before the break.
In truth, van Bronckhorst was given reason to remove all 11 Rangers players at the interval. But it was absolutely no surprise to see Barisic brought off, with Leon Balogun replacing him.
A lot of the home side’s play came down Rangers’ left flank. They worked the ball inside to the edge of the box where Hatate curled the ball inside Allan McGregor’s near post for their first goal.
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Unfortunately, the worst moment for the Croatian was still to come. He completely lost Abada. And that left the winger with a simple task to poke the ball home for Celtic’s third.
Miller pulled absolutely no punches in his assessment of Barisic’s performance at the interval ahead of his withdrawal.
“Let me tell you: Borna Barisic has had such a bad half,” he told BBC Sport. “On the ball, he’s sloppy. He’s got absolutely no idea where Liel Abada is. He’s got to be aware. That is absolutely schoolboy defending.”
Barisic one of several Rangers players who owe van Bronckhorst a big reaction
Rangers’ form of late has been a real worry. They have now won one of their last four in the Scottish Premiership. And they are no longer at the summit of the league.
They host Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday. It is simply imperative that they produce a big reaction if they want to halt the current momentum swing in the title race.
The 29-year-old is one of several players who have not replicated their form from last year this season. And Wednesday was about as disappointing as it can get for the club.
For Rangers, the turning point needs to come imminently.
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