IT’S OFFICIAL, dear reader! The lunatics have taken over the asylum.
There was much merriment, singing and dancing in Govan last night as fans went into joy overload as they celebrated their team’s fourth consecutive loss at Ibrox.
Following the 1-0 Scottish Cup exit to second-tier Queen’s Park, the 2-0 loss to St Mirren in the league – one reverse too far for the discarded Philippe Clement – and the 2-1 nosedive against Motherwell, they collapsed 2-0 to Jose Mourinho’s distinctly average Fenerbahce.
Apparently, the boys in blue will travel across the city on Sunday for a meeting with the champions on a high after this most recent clunker.
PUZZLED…Jose Mourinho strikes a familiar pose on the touchline as Barry Ferguson looks on.
To be fair, Wee Barry and Co have squeezed into a Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao courtesy of Jose’s mob’s inadequacies at taking shots at goal from 12 yards.
The Turks had deservedly been turned over 3-1 in Istanbul the previous week when The Special One was outwitted by the interim Rangers manager.
The visitors reversed that loss in Govan when Sebastian Szymanski scored twice to take the tie to extra-time. There was no change as the game went to penalty-kicks and Jack Butland saved from Dusan Tadic and Fred.
The Brazilian couldn’t have made it more obvious where he intended to place the ball if he had presented the grateful keeper with a diagram.
Ianis Hagi also saw his effort thwarted before substitute Mert Hakan Yandas ballooned his side’s fifth kick over the bar with the ball possibly coming to rest somewhere in the Clyde.
This was not a textbook manoeuvre from the penalty spot, dear friends.
Wee Barry joined in the parade of exhilarated players and backroom staff while the evening descended into total farce as Mourinho hugged Fred, one of the penalty-kick culprits, and led the player in the direction of the travelling fans.
YIPPEE, WE ONLY LOST 2-0…a joyous Barry Ferguson celebrates with Leon Balogun after Fenerbahce’s win at Ibrox.
If you hadn’t been aware of the outcome of the contest, you would have been forgiven for believing The Special One and his team had an important European date in the north of Spain next month.
“I actually thought we played well, if I’m being honest with you,” enthused the interim Govan gaffer, adding: “Just watching it back there, the two goals we can do better.”
Ferguson, speaking to The Scotsman, added: “I just want to go home, have a wee nightcap and then wake up and, when my eyes focus, start thinking about Sunday.
“It feels like I have been on one of the longest rollercoasters you will ever get.”
Ferguson will take charge of the team for fifth time against Brendan Rodgers’ side at the home of the champions in a couple of days’ time.
Dame Fortune may just have exhausted her quota of smiles by the time the game gets in motion at 12.30pm.
Hang on, Wee Barry, you could be in for a bumpy ride.
ALEX GORDON
