Rangers defender John Souttar acknowledges that fans have every reason to question the team’s mentality following their startling collapse, squandering a two-goal advantage against Celtic on Sunday.
Nonetheless, the 29-year-old urges supporters to hold off on passing final judgment regarding their ability to secure a league title until the season concludes.
With Youssef Chermiti’s two goals establishing a 2-0 lead at halftime, Rangers appeared poised to claim a crucial victory in the title chase.
Despite the missed opportunity to reduce the gap with league leaders Hearts, Rangers manager Danny Rohl remains adamant that his squad did not falter under pressure.
Souttar concedes, however, that the team’s mental resilience will now face scrutiny in their quest for the title.
The Scottish defender, who led the team as captain on Sunday, recognizes that after slipping six points behind Hearts, there is no room left for mistakes.
Rangers defender John Souttar can’t look after his side threw away a two-goal derby lead
‘Yeah, of course that’s going to be the question,’ said Souttar when asked if Rangers have a mentality problem.
‘And what I can say is, we need to be judged at the end of the season. There’s nine games left and, if I was a fan looking just now, I’d be asking the same questions, it’s natural.
‘But, for me, we’ve got to be really clean the next nine games. We’ve got to stand up, we’ve got to win and we can’t afford slip-ups.
‘Hearts are six points ahead, so it’s up to them, and we’ve got to hope they drop points. We’ve got to win every game. But I’d say ask us at the end of the season and judge us then.’
With Rangers and Celtic cutting each other’s throats, it proved to be a terrific day for Hearts, who beat Aberdeen on Saturday to move further clear.
Derek McInnes’ side continue to grind out results, with Souttar admitting that they now hold the upper hand with such a commanding lead.
‘Yeah, of course, six points, there’s no two ways about that,’ he said of his former club. ‘They are the main beneficiaries
‘If I was them, I’d be feeling the exact same way. But there’s a long way to go. There’s nine games and everyone’s got to play each other.
‘So as much as it feels there’s six points now, let’s see after nine games. But it’s obvious we’ve got to be clean now, we can’t afford anymore slip-ups. We’ve got to be on it.’
Rangers were utterly dominant during the first half and deservedly led by two goals, with Chermiti once again proving to be the difference against Celtic.
But the collapse thereafter was remarkable. Rohl’s side totally lost their way, with Souttar admitting he was at a loss to explain how it had gone so badly wrong.
‘Yes, it’s difficult to find the words as to how difficult it is to take,’ he added. ‘I think first half, I don’t think I have been involved in such a one-sided Old Firm game at Ibrox.
‘I thought we were dominant, off the ball on the ball. I thought everyone was right on it we played in the front foot.
‘We were aggressive. We played in their half. Then we started second like that after that first five minutes, and then after that, we did the complete opposite.
‘We didn’t get tight enough, we didn’t put them under the same pressure we were putting them under.
‘We allowed them to play their game, get on the ball and playing between the lines and then when you do that, there’s going to be moments and chances in the game and two of them fell to them.’
