Colin Hendry knows firsthand the intensity of both English and Scottish football. As a former Premier League player with Blackburn Rovers, he endured the relentless physical toll of weekly matches. Yet, when he returned to Scotland to play for Rangers, he discovered an entirely different challenge—the immense psychological pressure of performing at Ibrox. Unlike the bruising encounters of the Premier League, where every game felt like a “boxing match,” his biggest battle at Rangers was mental. The expectation to be the best, every single time, was unlike anything he had experienced—even after competing on the world stage against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup.
That weight of expectation hasn’t faded in the years since Hendry left Rangers. However, today’s squad appears to be struggling under that pressure. The team has suffered a string of disappointing results, including three consecutive home defeats and a widening gap in the league table. With both domestic cup runs already over and their manager dismissed, questions are being raised about the mentality of the current squad. Can they withstand the relentless demands of playing at a club where second place is never acceptable? Hendry knows that thriving at Rangers requires more than just skill—it takes an unshakable mindset.
Reflecting on his own experience, Hendry explained how the psychological demands of playing for Rangers were unlike anything he had encountered in England. “At Blackburn, every match was physically exhausting, no matter who we faced. But at Rangers, it was different. You didn’t necessarily feel worn out physically, but mentally, every game drained you. You had to be the best—no exceptions.” He described Ibrox as an arena of immense intensity, where players must learn to embrace the cheers and ignore the jeers. While he believes the team needs strong leadership and resilient players, he acknowledges that Rangers have struggled to maintain dominance in recent years, aside from their resurgence under Steven Gerrard.
This mental fortitude will be put to the test as Rangers prepare for a crucial European clash against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The pressure will be slightly lower, given that they won’t be favorites, but the team must rise to the occasion. Hendry was shocked by their recent home loss to Motherwell, but he remains hopeful that they can deliver a big result on the continental stage. He believes a strong European showing could inject confidence back into the squad—something they desperately need as they navigate a challenging season.
Ultimately, Hendry believes success at Rangers comes down to character. “Recruitment is key—you need players who are mentally strong, players who know how to win,” he said. As caretaker manager Barry Ferguson takes charge, he and his coaching staff must find a way to get a response from a squad that has faltered too often this season. For Hendry, the message is simple: once players step onto the pitch, it’s all down to them. The psychological battle at Rangers is relentless, but those who can withstand it will be the ones who make history at Ibrox.