This week Russell Martin had the ultimate test as the new Rangers head coach. His team lost a crushing 9-1 overall loss to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League playoff round. This demoralizing result now stands as the third worst showing on the club’s all-time list. Consequently, Rangers now find themselves six points behind their Scottish Premiership foes. There is a growing pressure and criticism aimed at Martin after his government suffered an electoral debacle. His responsibility now is to navigate the team through this crisis.
This lost has propelled Martin into negotiations with Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell. They provided amazing encouragement through all the stormy waters. Despite the backing, the statistics tell a stark story: Martin has only secured three wins out of ten games since taking charge, making his record the worst for any permanent manager in Rangers’ history.
A Difficult Challenge
Rangers had a big challenge ahead of them as the second leg in this tie opened up. They fought back from a controversial 3-1 defeat at Ibrox in the initial leg. Martin’s men found themselves in an even more precarious situation after they fell behind to a goal. To compound the problem, they found themselves down a player after a red card just ten minutes into the match. Nicolo Tresoldi opened the scoring with a terrific volley for Club Brugge. For starters, Max Aarons was shown a straight red card, reducing Rangers to ten men and little hope of coming back to win.
As the game went on, Club Brugge took advantage of their numerical and tactical advantages. Hans Vanaken, Aleksandar Stankovic, Joaquin Seys, and Christos Tzolis all scored, to add to Rangers’ embarrassment. During the entire ninety minutes, Rangers only recorded one shot on target, showing the difficulties they faced in creating chances and overall play.
“There’s not enough harmony or care for each other quite yet. But I knew that coming in; we have to build that, heal and get stronger through it.” – Russell Martin
Historical Context
The 9-1 aggregate loss is now the third largest in Champions League history. This is truly unfortunate number that only adds to the disappointment Martin, and Rangers fans first tell have experienced. This loss damages their chances of going deep in Europe. It introduces a new element of pressure to their domestic campaign, where they’re running far behind their opponents.
We always knew that Club Brugge were going to be a stern test. They’ve made it to the group stages or league phase of European competitions in seven of the last eight campaigns. It was easy to see why their experience and skill got them here as they thoroughly outmatched Rangers in the two-legged tie.
“Kris Boyd, a former Rangers player, remarked on the situation: “Rangers have only got Club Brugge to thank for it being six. They took their foot off the gas and toyed with Rangers.”
Looking Ahead
Given the context of this recent loss, Russell Martin had strong words for disappointed fans traveling to that match and those watching from home on television. He offered a heartfelt apology to the public for the humiliating loss and of course called for all to do better in the future.
“I have nothing to say but really apologise to the fans that travelled and the fans back home. I have to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It shouldn’t happen; it’s such basics. Now we have to show a response on Sunday.” – Russell Martin
Though the storm clouds ahead are substantial, Martin claims that he still has the backing of the Rangers board. His immediate concern becomes reinvigorating his team and correcting the shortcomings that have marred their outings to date.
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