Richard Foster’s comments following Rangers’ embarrassing 2-0 loss to Hibs on Saturday have resonated deeply within the football community, particularly because they highlight just how catastrophic the defending was during the match. For Foster, a former Rangers full-back, the performance from his old side was nothing short of astonishing in its ineptitude. His remarks emphasized just how bad the defending was, especially considering the magnitude of the occasion, as Rangers were playing at home, and had already suffered four consecutive defeats at Ibrox, a streak that had never occurred in the club’s history. This fifth straight loss at home left fans in disbelief, marking a record that Rangers fans and pundits alike would never have imagined seeing. Moreover, it was also the first time since 1894 that Rangers had conceded at least two goals in each of their last six league games, a statistic that left even the most hardened supporters stunned and questioning what had gone wrong.

The match against Hibs exposed Rangers’ defensive vulnerabilities in ways that have rarely been seen from the club, and Foster didn’t hold back in his criticism. A major talking point was the way Rangers defended against Martin Boyle’s goal, which came from a long ball that sliced through their defense as though it wasn’t even there. Rangers’ central defenders, John Souttar and Dujon Sterling, were caught completely off guard, with Boyle having all the time in the world to chase down the ball, bear down on goal, and finish with ease. Foster described the situation as “incredible,” particularly because of how much space the Rangers defense gave Boyle to score. To highlight just how exposed the defensive line was, Foster quipped that “you could have driven the Queen Elizabeth 2 through the defense.” This striking comment was an attempt to capture just how wide open and uncoordinated the backline was. It wasn’t just a defensive mistake—it was a systemic failure, with no one tracking the runner, no communication, and no leadership at the back to prevent a situation like that from occurring.

But Foster’s analysis didn’t stop there. He criticized not just the individual errors but the overall defensive philosophy. He noted that, while Hibs have been in good form recently, Rangers—especially at home—should have been more resolute, more aggressive, and more organized in defending their own goal. Instead, Foster saw a Rangers side that allowed Hibs far too much time and space to dictate the game. There was no intensity, no pressing, and no sense of urgency. Even though Jordan Obita mishit the pass that initiated the attack, Rangers’ defensive frailty was so evident that the mistake was exacerbated, with no one stepping in to fix the error. The overall performance from Rangers was lackluster both defensively and going forward. The frustration in Foster’s tone was palpable as he highlighted just how poor the defending was, especially considering that it was a home game at Ibrox, where expectations should have been high.

Foster also pointed out that the performance against Hibs wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of inconsistency that has plagued Rangers this season. In particular, he noted how Rangers have been unable to secure victories in matches against teams they are expected to beat, especially at home. This run of poor results has become especially concerning because Rangers have already lost to lesser opponents, such as Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, and now Hibs. These results are damaging not just to the team’s confidence but also to their position in the league. On the other hand, Foster acknowledged that Rangers have managed to perform admirably in more high-profile fixtures. Their recent victories over Celtic and their impressive run to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Athletic Club, show that the team is capable of raising their game for big matches. But the stark contrast between their performances in these “glamour” ties and their inability to perform against weaker sides is part of the issue that has been frustrating for both fans and pundits alike.

For Foster, the real issue with Rangers’ inconsistency lies in the mentality of the players. He agrees with Barry Ferguson’s assessment that it’s easier for players to get up for big games, especially European matches and Old Firm derbies, where the stakes are higher, and the adrenaline is flowing. In these matches, Rangers tend to see players pushing themselves to work harder, doing the extra bit for each other, and showing the kind of commitment that is expected of a top club. But when it comes to matches like the one against Hibs, where the expectations are high but not the glamour, Foster believes the players are failing to show the same level of intensity and focus. The lack of energy, focus, and collective responsibility during the match against Hibs was a clear example of this, and it’s this inconsistency that has been so damaging to Rangers’ season.

Moreover, this inconsistency isn’t just limited to their league form but extends to their overall approach in matches. In Europe, Rangers have been able to produce moments of brilliance, defeating teams in high-profile fixtures like Celtic and progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals. In contrast, these performances are overshadowed by a string of disappointing results against teams that they should be comfortably beating, especially at home. Foster’s point about the players not maintaining the same level of focus and professionalism in lower-profile games is critical. If Rangers are to get back to their best, they need to find a way to be consistently good, no matter the opponent. The mental focus required for every match—whether in a derby, a European tie, or a routine league game—is essential for a team with the ambitions of Rangers.

Foster’s analysis speaks to a broader issue at Rangers, one that can’t be solved just by tactical changes or personnel adjustments. The team needs a mentality shift, where players understand that every match, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is important. If Rangers are serious about challenging for titles and competing in Europe, they need to develop a consistency of performance that sees them approach every game with the same level of intensity and professionalism.

In the aftermath of the defeat to Hibs, Foster’s comments ring true: the team’s defensive vulnerabilities are clear, and the lack of intensity in the “easier” games has created an alarming pattern of poor results. While they have been able to rise to the occasion in big games, their failure to deliver in other matches could prove costly. It’s now up to the Rangers management and players to address these issues head-on, work on their mental focus, and find a way to perform consistently across all competitions. Only then can Rangers begin to rebuild the trust of their fans and restore their reputation as one of Scotland’s top clubs.