Rangers Football Club’s manager, Russell Martin, has expressed strong disappointment following his team’s lackluster performance in their opening match of the Scottish Premiership season. Despite making eight summer signings and seeking to bolster the squad further, Martin’s side managed only a draw against Motherwell, resulting in a chorus of boos from their home supporters. The game at Fir Park raised fears about whether the team was fully prepared. They’re already preparing for their most difficult campaign yet.
Martin’s post-match comments highlighted his frustration and concern for the team’s mentality. Most importantly, he continued, players had to focus on their craft above all else. Simultaneously, they need to be 100% all-in on what it means to play for Rangers. He underscored the point that those not ready to rise to these standards will be in their wake.
“There will be people left behind if they don’t want to come. They’ll be left behind because they need to understand really what playing for this football club will take and what it means, and not just when it’s having a nice time.” – Russell Martin
Players Under Scrutiny
Wasteful as his ways were, the manager used Cyriel Dessers as an example of commitment and comportment, calling on everyone to match his work rate and go-getting temperament. Dessers, who was acquired by the club this summer, showed amazing heart all throughout the match. He provided the defensive commitment that Martin demands of all his players.
“Cyriel is the only one that we’ve actually had a bid for and he comes on and he runs so hard. Some of them need to have a look at him and set that example.” – Russell Martin
Martin’s critique extended beyond individual players. He cautioned against any sense of entitlement and stressed the importance of better managing games, especially with the returns of European competitions. Yet again, he thinks that if these unconvincing performances continue, it will derail the club’s ambitions on both the domestic and continental stage.
“We need to work out quickly who really wants to listen, who will really fight, who will really run when the going gets tough.” – Russell Martin
Reactions from Former Players
Pundits have praised it, praised it and fully blasted it. Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd wondered whether Martin’s comments were over the top for this stage of the season. Boyd explained that most managers like to put a positive spin on things following a game, especially when the chips are down.
“When have you ever seen a manager come out and fillet the team – and we all think he’s right, by the way – but when have you ever seen a manager do that first game of the season?” – Kris Boyd
Chris Sutton piped up on the call, stressing the need to make sure players are accountable. As for the long-term impact on team morale, he challenged the wisdom of this approach.
In spite of those criticisms, Martin remains unyielding in his conviction. He believes the Scottish Premiership will be the real test for Rangers. He has unequivocally laid down the law for his players. Although they have made significant progress, they will need to do much better in the years ahead.
“Some of them have to drop their ego. When you want to just jog around and do what you want to do, there’s a big problem.” – Russell Martin
Looking Ahead
And as the Rangers prepare for their next League One and Cup assignments, Martin is keen to improve his squad’s quality in the weeks to come. The manager’s focus will be on establishing a winning mentality within the team as they face domestic challenges alongside their European commitments.
Sky Sports has now published the fixtures for the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. Fans and analysts alike can now start to explore what the future holds for Rangers and other clubs in this ever-evolving league.
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