MARK HATELEY insists Rangers are "one defeat away from a crisis" if they are to slip up against Aberdeen on Saturday.

The Ibrox club are heading into the lunchtime kick-off after two 4-0 defeats at the hands of Celtic and Ajax in the Champions League.

Pressure is now building on Giovanni van Bronckhorst and former Ibrox striker Hateley admits performances have to improve quickly.

Asked if there is a decision to make around van Bronckhorst's future, he told Sky Sports News: “That is down to the board. I think you have to see where you are domestically.

“It is still early in the season. Players are still settling in.

“It is a cutthroat business. When you are managing the top clubs the pressures are there, the demands from fans and boards determine if you stay or go.

“At the moment it is a crucial game at the weekend at Aberdeen. There is a lot of pressure on that game.

“Then there is a Napoli game to come on the Tuesday night. Looking at how they played against Liverpool it will be a very tough game.

“First and foremost they have to digest what happened last night.

“You are literally one defeat away from a crisis and that is the way it has always been."