Rangers took on Club Brugge in their opening friendly of the pre-season under new manager Russell Martin. The game was played at Ibrox. It was a testament to the team’s early work in getting ready for the club’s first ever Champions League qualifying campaign. Rangers players have been back in pre-season training for two weeks now. Indeed, in less than two weeks they’ll begin their competition to gain entry into next season’s UEFA Champions League!
Rangers will welcome Panathinaikos to Ibrox for the first leg of their second qualifying round tie on July 25. However, the fixture against Brugge was another crucial part of their preparations and an opportunity for Martin to gauge the readiness of his squad. That was evidenced by the newly-appointed manager’s edicts for his captain James Tavernier on the touchline, showing how hands-on he is.
It couldn’t have been a rougher start for Rangers in the contest. In fact, within 13 minutes they found themselves trailing 2-0 to last season’s Belgian runners-up. Though the beginning was a bit bumpy, they were able to get back on their feet and persevere. One of the most notable was Max Aarons. He was a game starter and created enough chances to make you realize how much he’ll bring to this squad.
Emmanuel Fernandez joined from Peterborough on a four-year deal earlier this week. He made a memorable debut appearance, entering the match for the final 30 minutes. Glaring omissions came up top with strikers Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers, neither of whom were part of the match. Key defender John Souttar was absent due to continued recovery from surgery for an inguinal hernia.
As the half wore on and into the second half, Rangers started to create a few openings. A wonderful goal from sub Mohamed Diomande gave them an unexpected lifeline. In a dramatic late twist, Findlay Curtis equalised for Rangers in the 89th minute. This equalizer levelled the score and reignited hope in the supporters as to where this team was headed.
Martin was joined by a vociferous home support that welcomed him as he ran out onto the pitch in the pre-match build up. Even before any arrivals, his management style and approach are making a positive impression. So far, he’s been very coy about transfer targets.
“I think I’ve been asked about so many players,” – Russell Martin
He added, “I guess you’ll find out who’s real and who’s not in the next few weeks.” These comments suggest we can expect more movement in and out of the squad as this transfer window continues to unfold.
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