Ah, Alfredo. As soon as I saw the news from the club it was clear it wasn’t going to be good. Actually, from the moment I saw the pictures of him in crutches I knew it wasn’t going to be good. Truthfully, my heart sank. Alfredo is vital, it’s almost like when he’s there, not only does he score and contribute, but the team are lifted and actually believe.

Without him? Toothless.

Against Celtic we saw the safe, side to side, back, side to side play that makes it easy to play against us. We created absolutely zero after the first attack which brought a goal.

Against Braga we created absolutely nothing and didn’t even manage a shot on target. A period of safe football where we knocked it around was about as good as it got and crucially we looked devoid of ideas.

I take objection to Gio saying we played well in spells and created opportunities, I think that polishes what was an extremely limited performance. Perhaps my standards are way off, perhaps it is me. But I just didn’t see it on the night and there is almost an air of inevitability to this. 

What’s also startling is that we don’t seem to believe in ourselves without Alfredo. We certainly don’t offer a threat. Sadly, Fashion Sakala offered very little and his only half-chance was blazed over. But that aside? His movement and build-up was non-existent and actually problematic. Truthfully? We need to do a lot of work with Sakala if he is going to make it at Rangers.

Then there is the manager. When we win then it looks fabulous and we are naturally enthusiastic regarding Gio. On nights like tonight and Sunday then it’s the little things that get focused on. Joe Aribo played ninety minutes on Sunday and looked not only exhausted but offered very little. For Aribo on Sunday see Scott Arfield against Braga. When Aaron Ramsey is subbed off against Celtic and then not even considered against the Portuguese side when he is one of the only legitimate goal threats (see Dundee and Celtic) then people will ask questions.

Like many, I struggle to see any identity with this team or what the manager is trying to do. Naturally when you are beaten it always looks that way but Gio needs to pick things up. I said in my last column that four defeats to them and a collapse of the season would mean fans would struggle for enthusiasm towards him as manager. It’s already happening and he has to turn this around quickly to stop it from collapsing completely.

READ MORE: Every word Giovanni van Bronckhost said as he admits Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey fit but left out

Now for the big positive amid the gloom; we are still in this tie. It’s a big ask though. With Alfredo fit and firing I’d fancy us but this is where the manager must get it right. It has to be Roofe and he must perform if we are to have any chance. Crucially we must get players close to him and exploit his movement.

We are missing a spark and we have to find it. Disappointingly, for me, it almost seems like it is a closed shop in terms of team selection for the manager. Perhaps expanding his selections past the seemingly trusted sixteen or so might bring inspiration from elsewhere. Amad Diallo, Scott Wright, or someone else coming in from the cold might be able to cause some issues or even a threat that takes the load off of Ryan Kent. He and Aribo look flat and almost burnt out.

Either way, I think we have to find something. We were over-reliant on Alfredo and that must have long term consequences for those in charge of recruitment because to be in this position is a huge worry. 

Regardless, it's important to remember we are capable and we are still in this European tie. We have to park these games, work on things and find a way to complement the talent we have. Kent, Aribo, Roofe all aren’t suddenly bad players overnight. We have to find a way to make it work.

Otherwise, this season will finish with the most upsetting of endings, toothlessly and without a whimper, much like recent attacking performances.