Tom Lawrence insists Rangers need to improve mood after shock Kilmarnock loss

Tom Lawrence admits Rangers are not in a happy place as they prepare for the Europa League clash with FCSB at Ibrox on Thursday night.

The 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock on Sunday left Philippe Clement’s side six points behind William Hill Premiership leaders Celtic and Aberdeen and building frustration of Rangers fans exploded at the end of the game where those who stayed behind let the players know their feelings, while the Belgian boss has come under fire since.

There is a cloud of negativity around the club who have no permanent chairman, chief executive officer or director of football operations.

Ahead of the visit of the Romanian outfit, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, midfielder Lawrence, 30, said: “I’d be lying if I said we were in a happy place.

“Especially after the game, we were all disappointed. We were all frustrated with the way we played.

“But we’ve had a few days to work in training. The main thing is we stick together. Tough times come, but we need to stick together.

“We look forward to the game. Especially putting on a performance tomorrow.

“From my point of view, on Sunday we weren’t creative enough. We were too static. It was unlike us in many ways.

“We need to adjust to those games. Be more dominant, quicker play. We were very lacklustre, I felt.

“That can’t happen. When you play at Rangers, that can’t happen. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

“We know how special European nights are at Ibrox and I hope the fans are right behind us because they didn’t deserve that on Sunday.”

Lawrence insists Sunday’s performance was a blip rather than a pattern as he responded to the suggestion that Rangers’ football is boring and predictable.

The former Derby player, who joined Rangers in 2022, said: “I think that’s fair for the game on Sunday. I don’t think it’s fair for the previous games.

“I think we’ve created enough chances in previous games to Sunday. I don’t know why we performed like that, but we need to make sure we don’t perform like that ever again at this club while we’re here.

“Me being a creative player, I have to create chances, score goals. We just need to be a lot quicker. We were too lacklustre in play. And I’m sure we’ll be a lot better Thursday night.”