Giovanni’s public criticism of Ryan Kent is the first time the manager has directly attacked any of his players for not performing, in the second change of tact from the boss over the past day.
Earlier on Ibrox Noise told you how the boss is ready to deliver Alfredo and Antonio up front together for the first time? Well he’s followed that change of policy with an uncharacteristic critique of his star winger who he says must do more.
Now, the curious thing is if the manager isn’t too thrilled with Kent’s output, it’s not like he’s dropping him to make him hungry or ‘teach him a lesson’.
No, Gio continues on selecting a player he believes isn’t playing very well, which is clearly on the boss.
He said, with more than a hint of exasperation, and even derision:
“Well…. he has to bring more. Ryan is an exceptional player with a lot of qualities. I think the performance he had against Hearts is a really good one with a lot of threat going forward so I know his qualities. I think the qualities haven’t been there every game, he just needs to be consistent and make sure he gives them the best positions on the pitch to be dangerous. To either have an assist or to score the chances he creates himself. I think the goal he scored against Hearts is a great example, you know when he comes in and makes sure he hits the target. He’s definitely a player who can give us more goals and assists.”
While backhandedly complimenting the strengths of Kent’s game, Gio is making it clear he’s not delivered anything like that often enough, and while 99% of all Rangers fans seem to think he stank at Tynecastle, nevertheless, his underwhelming displays have been too frequent.
And Gio is breaking rank and making that public, not something he has done before.
Well, why keep on picking him Gio?