Jack Butland didn’t hide his anger after Rangers’ latest collapse at Ibrox, admitting he was “angry and deflated” following the 2–2 draw with Dundee United.
The Rangers goalkeeper, who has been one of the few consistent performers this season, spoke with brutal honesty after watching his side throw away yet another lead under interim boss Stevie Smith.
“Angry. The same as everyone should be feeling,” Butland bluntly said post-match to Rangers TV. “Angry and deflated. I’m struggling for words right now, just trying to clear my thoughts for the sake of not saying something I shouldn’t.”
Rangers were dominant in the first half, with Thelo Aasgaard’s superb strike giving them a deserved lead, but the second half brought another collapse as Dundee United scored twice in nine minutes to turn the game on its head before James Tavernier rescued a point late on.
For Butland, the match was a reflection of Rangers’ entire season, flashes of quality undone by a lack of focus and fight: “I think it sums up the way we’ve been, to be honest,” he said. “The first half was really good, Thelo scores a brilliant goal and we had chances to score more.
“But when you don’t take them and you drop off like we did in the second half, you cause yourself problems.
“It was as if we just assumed we were going to win comfortably, which we’re in no position to assume right now. Not enough desire individually or collectively to keep the ball out the net. Then when we go 2–1 down, suddenly the intensity returns, it’s a head-scratcher.”
The England international made it clear that accountability within the squad has to improve, stressing that the club’s standards are not being met regardless of who is in the dugout: “It doesn’t matter who’s in charge or who’s on the pitch, there’s a level of performance expected every week at this football club, and if we’re being honest, it hasn’t been shown enough.”
When asked how Rangers can fix their recurring problems, Butland dismissed clichés and pointed towards personal responsibility.
“‘Stick together’ is a phrase people like to use. but what does that mean?” he said. “For me, it’s about looking at yourself and what you do every day.
“You can’t just turn it on at the weekend. Do you fight and work for your teammate? That’s the standard demanded here.”
The keeper also hinted at a divide within the dressing room, calling for stronger leadership from those willing to meet the demands of the club.
“It’s clear that for some, it’s struggling to stick a bit. Those who do get it need to drag others along. That’s what sticking together really means, understanding what needs to be brought every single week.”
Butland’s words cut through the noise surrounding Rangers’ managerial uncertainty, offering a blunt reminder that the club’s issues run far deeper than the man in the technical area.