Le Guen: Why I had to axe Ferguson

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen tonight claimed he was being undermined by Barry Ferguson and had no option but to strip him of the captaincy.

But Le Guen admits the controversial decision could ultimately cost him his own job.

Speculation has been mounting for weeks of a rift between manager and skipper after they recently clashed over the importance of a captain’s role.

Le Guen clearly now feels Ibrox is no longer big enough for both men.

“He tries to have too much influence,” the Frenchman explained.

“I thought of the interests of the team, the squad and Rangers.

“Even if I don’t agree with him on the role of the captain, and I don’t think he is as important as he thinks, you need to have a good captain.

“You need to have a captain who gives the right message.”

Le Guen claims he has the backing of chairman David Murray but admitted: “I know that the situation of a manager in this case is precarious.

“I took a decision. After that decision, it is not up to me to say if I will be here during the following months.

“If I go, I go, but I want to do my job with respect.”

Asked whether Ferguson will ever play for him again, Le Guen replied: “I don’t know. Perhaps it would be difficult.

“But at the moment I think it is the right decision because of the situation.

“If he comes back to play with me, he must show other behaviour.”

Le Guen already finds himself under pressure after a string of dismal results leaves Rangers trailing bitter rivals Celtic by 17 points in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Today’s 1-0 win at Motherwell did little to appease furious fans who spent most of the match chanting Ferguson’s name.

Le Guen has urged supporters to understand his reasons for axing the popular midfielder.

He said: “I know that I won’t be the most popular guy in Glasgow but, when I look in the mirror, I can say: ’Okay, I’m doing my job.’

“I understand that it could be difficult to understand but it was not an easy decision.

“I know that the fans could be upset and might not understand but I thought it was the right decision for the team and for Rangers.

“I am inside and, when you are inside, it is totally different.

“When adversity is outside it is okay. You stick together and fight together.

“But when you feel the adversity is inside, it’s complicated.

“It’s a great job. It’s a fantastic job, but it’s a difficult job.

“When you have someone you feel undermines you, it becomes harder and harder.”

The captain’s armband went to Gavin Rae for the trip to Motherwell, even though he had started just three games this season.

“I was surprised,” Rae said. “I wasn’t expecting it.

“But football is full of surprises and I was just glad to get a game and get the three points.

“I don’t know if Barry has been undermining the manager or not. That’s between them.

“I’ve known Barry for years and it’s difficult but you just have to get on with it.”