Exclusive: Leon Balogun Bemoans Rangers’ Inconsistency in Title Race, Despite European Push

Nigeria international Leon Balogun claims that Rangers' inconsistency is a significant hurdle in their domestic title challenge, even as they enjoy a notable European campaign.

The Gers have shown flashes of promise in this season’s Europa League after finishing in the top eight of competition’s league format, but their domestic campaign has been plagued by instability.

Although they are unbeaten in their last eight league matches, they still have a significant gap to close in their pursuit of league leaders Celtic.

Philippe Clement’s men are second in the log after accruing 53 points from 25 matches, and a massive 13 points behind the Hoops who have won the league title in the last three seasons.

In other competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, Rangers were beaten by Celtic on penalties in the Scottish League Cup final, and their Scottish Cup campaign ended embarrassingly in the fifth round.

GERS' SEASON MARRED BY INCONSISTENCY

Balogun has been sidelined with an injury sustained during Rangers' 2-1 Europa League defeat to Manchester United on December 10, 2024.

When asked about how the Ibrox Stadium giants have handled the demands of both domestic and European football this season, the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender claims that it has been plagued by unpredictability.

"Too inconsistent. I think that's the most honest review I can give," Balogun told SportsBoom.com.

"If you look at Europe, we've been pretty good. We got direct qualification to the Round of 16, but domestically, too inconsistent."

"I mean, I don't want to be short or shy for words, but that's just the perfect description."

"We're too inconsistent. That's why we are where we are in the league, which is sad."

The Glasgow-based side secured a spot in the top eight of the revamped Europa League group phase and will play against one of FC Twente, Fenerbahce, Bodo/Glimt, or Anderlecht in the Europa League Round of 16.

CAN RANGERS END CELTIC’S DOMINANCE?

Despite the Gers' standing in the Scottish top flight, Balogun is not giving up on the league title.

According to the African, his team is aware of the challenge ahead and knows they must put in the hard work to turn that desire into reality.

"I've been fortunate to be part of a team that successfully broke Celtic's dominance in the past, and I'd love to experience that again," he added.

"However, at this moment, it's clear that we have a lot of work to do to challenge Celtic for the title."

"As things stand, we're behind in the race, and this season has highlighted the need for significant improvement."

"We're fully aware of the challenge ahead, but we're determined to put in the hard work necessary to close the gap and compete at the highest level to reclaim the title."

Rangers are the most successful club in Scottish Premiership history, with 55 league titles, but Celtic have won the championship in the last three seasons.

BALOGUN ON EUROPA LEAGUE CHANCES

Despite the club's impressive European run this season, the Super Eagle remains uncertain about how far his team can go.

He continued: "It's hard for me to say because when I've played for Rangers, we've always been pretty good in Europe."

"And I think there's a level of confidence that we don't have to really be afraid or hide from anyone, as long as we stick to what we want to do."

"And obviously, sometimes you need a bit of luck. but we've played some big teams like Tottenham, Manchester United. Man United was a close call, we lost in the end."

"Unfortunately, probably a draw would have been fair. We got a late equaliser against Tottenham. But overall, Europe has always been, I think, a well of joy for Rangers, in recent years at least."