THE mantra of not getting too high when you win or too low when you lose is one that Steven Gerrard has learned to master throughout his two decades at the top level. It is one that doesn’t really fit Rangers supporters, though, and the air of despondency at the end of a damaging week is understandable.

Rangers have undoubtedly made life harder for themselves by losing to Hearts and drawing with Aberdeen and countless theories have been raised as to why Gerrard’s side have been so lacklustre since the winter break. The Old Firm win seems such a long time ago as fitness, formations and form have all been questioned.

Glasgow Times:

POST DUBAI WINTER BLUES

The point has often been raised that Rangers have made the same mistakes this term as they did last following their return to action after the Premiership break.

The defeat to Kilmarnock 12 months ago sticks in the memory but Rangers didn’t struggle in the Premiership after that as many believe they did. In fact, the draw with St Johnstone was the only league game in the next half a dozen where they dropped points.

It wasn’t until March, where four points were lost before the Old Firm defeat at Parkhead, where the wheels really came off the title challenge. In the same month, Aberdeen ended Rangers’ Scottish Cup hopes as the campaign all-but ended and Gerrard cannot afford for Hamilton to do likewise on Saturday.

Many fans have blamed the time that Rangers spent in Dubai as the reason for their sluggish performances this time around. Some claim it was a holiday, while others say Gerrard overworked his players.

Given the expertise of his staff, the amount of data available and the hours of analysis work that is put in, it is hard to believe that Rangers returned to Glasgow not in fine physical shape and Gerrard insisted it was ‘not fitness’ related on Saturday. The break was needed after a hectic first half of the campaign, but it certainly interrupted Rangers’ momentum once again and players have found it difficult to pick up where they left off.

Glasgow Times:

PRESSURE OF THE TITLE RACE

Gerrard accepted that questions would be asked over his players’ mentality in the aftermath of the defeat at Tynecastle and the draw with the Dons will have done little to answer them.

The likes of Allan McGregor and Steven Davis know what it takes to lift trophies at Ibrox, but Rangers are clearly at a disadvantage compared to Celtic when it comes to getting over the line and winning medals.

That is not to say that the Gers don’t have the bottle for the title battle or that they are not desperate to deliver success this term. But it would be no surprise if the huge pressure on their shoulders is weighing heavily at present.

The demand from the stands is as great as it has been for many, many years right now and that clamour and desire for the title creates a difficult environment in which to perform.

Gerrard has often said that he needs the support to stick with his side and that is as important now as ever as Rangers look to hang on to Celtic’s coattails at the top of the table.

Gerrard spoke about ‘spark’ on Saturday and there is no doubt that Rangers have lost their edge and are not as free-flowing in the final third. The addition of Ianis Hagi and Florian Kamberi should give the side more creativity and there needs to be a greater urgency about the way Rangers play.

The high-tempo, high press approach has drifted in recent weeks and Rangers are not sharp enough in the final third right now as they find it difficult to break down compact defences.

Gerrard has stuck to the 4-3-2-1 formation for most of the campaign but Rangers are perhaps now too predictable at times. It won’t be overhauled, but a tweak could help Rangers unlock their attacking prowess again.

Glasgow Times:

MAIN MEN NEED TO RAISE THEIR GAME

This is perhaps the most important point at present and the reason why Rangers have been so unimpressive in their recent outings. Put simply, too many players haven’t operated to their full potential and are out of form.

Add that to the loss of James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos and it becomes clearer why Rangers haven’t looked the same side in recent weeks.

Tavernier has been a huge miss in an attacking sense and it is only now when he has not been in the side that his critics will perhaps see how important he is to it.

Rangers could get by without Morelos against Stranraer and St Mirren but his style was far better suited to Hearts away than Jermain Defoe. On Saturday, his lack of sharpness told as he squandered a gilt-edged chance when through one-on-one.

Having both Tavernier and Morelos back will undoubtedly make a real difference and should raise levels across the park.

Every player and every side will go through lean periods over a campaign and the timing couldn’t have been worse for the likes of Steven Davis and Glen Kamara to drop their levels. More should be expected from Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo as well and the back-up isn’t quite there for Rangers, with the likes of Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker unable to capitalise on the opportunity that has presented itself.

Individually and collectively, Rangers are capable of far better and they have shown that already this term. They haven’t become a bad side over a winter break, but they must become a better one almost overnight if they are to get their campaign back on track.