Rangers icon Kris Boyd had some harsh words for the Light Blues following their heavy Champions League qualifying defeat against PSV [via Sky Sports].

He lamented the ‘gulf in class’ between the two teams – he also urged Rangers not to use the excuse of finances, saying ‘it was the exact same as last year’.

It was a scathing review of their performance against the team from The Netherlands – let’s take a look at what Boyd had to say.

What did Kris Boyd have to say?

“The excuses will come out about the finances and everything. It was the exact same as last year so you can’t use that. Rangers went there optimistic of getting a result after coming away with a 2-2 draw last week, although they didn’t play that well.

“But I must say, the gulf in class was there for everyone to see. Rangers got back into at 2-1 on the night but was against the run of play. PSV Eindhoven, the players they had, there was an arrogance about them after the first game, they thought the tie was already done.

“They showed why they went back home with that spring in their step, that arrogance and confidence, because they’ve absolutely demolished Rangers tonight, demolished them.

“You can make all the excuses you want. Rangers went there and won last season, the budgets were the exact same. It’s not to be for Rangers. People will come out and say the Champions League is a step above, you saw that last season in terms of when you’re there, but it’s not to say Rangers can’t go in there and compete at that level and then drop down to the Europa League.

“But they were totally and utterly annihilated in the Netherlands tonight and it will be the Europa League. If it wasn’t for Jack Butland it could quite easily have been eight on the night. He had two or three fantastic saves, in big moments as well.

“But the big games at big clubs come thick and fast. There’s the disappointment of tonight, but you’ve got an opportunity and there can’t be any hiding places on Sunday.”

How can Rangers improve upon this loss?

Make no mistake – Rangers were poor against PSV. If they want to reach their level, Michael Beale has a hell of a task on his hands at present.

The Gers were made to look below par in every section of the pitch. Up front, they failed to take their chances, in midfield, they were static – and the less said about their defensive performance, the better.

The Light Blues will improve as the season goes on, as their new signings develop a stronger cohesion with one another. However, it could take several years before the Gers look like a team capable of reaching the Champions League – let alone competing in it.