New managers at Rangers have historically struggled with difficult opening periods without derailing their long-term success. Graeme Souness, who arrived as player-manager, was sent off in his league debut against Hibernian in the first half. Rangers lost that match 2-1 and suffered another defeat in their third game.
Despite the shaky beginning, Souness went on to win the League Cup and claim the league title for the first time in nine years that season. The pattern suggests early setbacks need not determine a manager's ultimate trajectory at Ibrox.
