Joe Rothwell declares Rangers rebuild has taken a 'huge' step as ultimate hope revealed
Joe Rothwell reckons that the victory over Panathinaikos can jolt Russell Martin 's Rangers revolution into life.
The new Ibrox boss secured a crucial 2-0 win over the Greeks in his first competitive game to take a massive step towards the Champions League third qualifying round.
The pre-season tune ups will continue today as Middlesborough arrive at Ibrox for a friendly showdown -with Martin facing the ultimate task of bringing silverware back to the blue half of Glasgow.
Celtic claimed a domestic double last season with Brendan Rodgers' men finishing a whopping 17 points clear of their rivals during a trophyless season for the Light Blues.
But Rothwell believes the victory on home turf against the Greeks can create more of a buy-in from the squad to Martin's football philosophy.
Having worked under the Light Blues' gaffer at Southampton, the 30-year-old was already a believer in the high-intensity style of play.
And Rothwell said: "It can be huge.
'I think he said in it's not going to be a season-defining game (Panathinaikos), but, we wanted to go out there and put a show on and really show how he wants to do things.
'As I say, I think we managed to do that, controlled the game, as we like to do and like I say, just a bit disappointed that we didn't go and probably kill the game off a little bit more.
'As I've said, there's going to be times in games where it's like that and we've just got to make sure we stick together.
"The crowd might get a bit edgy, but we know what we want to do and how we want to do things and as long as we stick to that and believe in that, then I'm sure, as you seen tonight a lot of the time, it looks really good and works.
"Like I say, there's going to be times, but as long as we stick together and we'll come through for it."
Asked if the first big result of the season could inspire a special campaign, Rothwell added: "I hope so.
'That's why I've come here; come here to win things and take this club back to the top where they belong,
"So like I say it's a stepping stone for us, but there's definitely things we can work on and build on and we'll look to do that next week."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
22 minutes ago
- Daily Record
World media reacts as Rangers land withering verdict with Athens crying salty tears for Panathinaikos
Gers survived multiple scares but found a way to see off side who reckon they're cursed 'I've no idea how Rangers got through against Panathinaikos!' - Hotline Live It would be wrong to say Rangers haven't had some scares during recent storied European nights in their recent history. However, nails likely haven't been shredded in the way they were against Panathinaikos as the Greeks passed up multiple golden chances on a night Jack Butland backed-up his stellar display at Ibrox with some vital saves on a baking hot night in Athens. A stadium erupted when Filip Đuričić's opener was confirmed after two minutes of checks from VAR, however, the joy was short-lived after super-sub Djeidi Gassama netted a perfect half-volley to restore the two-goal lead and tee-up their third-round Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen. Was it perfect from Rangers? No, but it was good enough for now as Russell Martin 's highwire act brings thrills and frights in equal measure. Record Sport takes takes the temperature in Athens as the locals are less than impressed with the team who dumped out their hometown heroes. Sport 24 (Greece) Last year, during the summer qualifiers, Panathinaikos , in the three hours it faced Lens, and for only about half an hour Pana were better than them. Lens, Rangers, Ajax , opponents who come to Pana in abundance in July and August, not because the evil UEFA with its obsessive anti-Panathinaikos bosses has put him on the mark, but because for years the greens were simply absent from the European football scene. Rangers, in the other three hours we watched them in the last two weeks of July, are in no way a better team than Lens. Damn, at this point in time, if what they presented in Glasgow and on Wednesday at OAKA (even) matches the level of the top four teams in Greece. Paron (Greece) Panathinaikos deserved a lot, but ultimately got nothing from the matches against Rangers. The Greens, just like at Ibrox, were superior, they gave their all, they created huge opportunities, they took the lead in the score, but one -and only- moment of inaction, deprived the dream of hope. The many classic opportunities did not translate into goals and therefore the final 1-1 was not enough to grant the Clover qualification to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The Rangers goal affected the Greens, who nevertheless reached the brink of 2-1 in the 70th minute. Tete crossed the ball, but for a few centimeters, neither Maksimovic nor Ioannidis managed to push the ball into the net with a projection. No matter how hard they tried, no matter what Rui Vitória and the players tried, they were unable to score a second time in order to return to the qualification race. The applause of the crowd at the finale was a reward for the great effort made by the Greens. Sport Time (Greece) Panathinaikos missed a great opportunity and beyond the result, the manner is also disturbing. In two matches they looked far superior to Rangers , however in 180 minutes they "wrote" one elimination, one defeat, one draw and just one goal. At the end of the day, football is as simple as the basic rule of winning. To put the ball in the opponent's goal, more times than they do. In other words, score more goals than the team you are playing against. Panathinaikos created all those conditions to achieve that. Not only in the OAKA game, but also in the Glasgow game. They couldn't take advantage of them. Without any exaggeration, they could, in fact, have scored twice in every match and seriously - seriously conceded a goal in every match, not to mention one in total. In the end, they scored only once and conceded three. It makes no sense to talk about football, not because the numbers speak - they don't always tell the truth anyway. But because the issue at Panathinaikos is psychological and unfortunately deeply rooted throughout the club. It's as if no one believes in the "clover" that the team can achieve something great. Big problem.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Ruben Amorim responds to Benjamin Sesko Man Utd transfer speculation
Ruben Amorim spoke to the media after Man Utd's 4-1 win over Bournemouth (Picture: Getty) Ruben Amorim gave a cautious response and chose to praise Rasmus Hojlund when asked about the possibility of Manchester United signing Benjamin Sesko. The United boss was in a buoyant mood as he addressed the media having justwatched his new-look side canter to an impressive 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago. After the embarrassment of his maiden campaign at the helm, it is imperative the Red Devils get off to a good start this time around and an uplifting pre-season would certainly lift the mood inside Old Trafford. To that end, the convincing win over Bournemouth represented a step in the right direction, particularly for Hojlund who got on the scoresheet once and may well have had a claim for a second which was credited to Amad Diallo. The Denmark international has been linked with a move back to Italy this summer having failed to convince since his £72m arrival from Atalanta two years ago. Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. United are in the market for a new striker and have firmly turned their attentions to Benjamin Sesko who has emerged as their No.1 target. The Slovenia international was heavily linked to Arsenal earlier this summer, but the Gunners turned their attention to signing Viktor Gyokeres instead after growing frustrated with RB Leipzig. Rasmus Hojlund was on the scoresheet in Man Utd's 4-1 win over Bournemouth (Picture: Getty) United, however, appear to be in pole position to sign the 22-year-old with Newcastle now apparently out of the running and Sesko harbouring little desire to move to the Saudi Pro League. Leipzig are understood to want €75m guaranteed plus add-ons and percentage of a future sale. Talks are expected to continue in the coming days but for now Amorim insists he is happy with what he has at his disposal following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. 'No,' said Amorim bluntly when asked for an update on Sesko's potential transfer. 'The important thing is Rasmus is scoring goals and connecting really well with the team.' 'He's improving. So again, I don't know what is going to happen until the market is closed. 'I'm really happy with what is happening with the players we had last season, they are improving. Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko Sesko has scored 13 league goals this season (Picture: Getty) It was quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They've been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he was still one of their best and most consistent players. Sesko's strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he's great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he's also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he's a willing runner off the ball as well. His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It's not that he's bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Kai Havertz, he's not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better. But during his young career, he's shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he's a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner. Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews 'We look like a different team today let's continue with that. I'm really happy with Bryan and Matheus. 'Even Diego you can see he's a smart guy for a guy who came from Paraguay to the Premier League it's a really powerful player I'm really happy with these three guys.' More Trending On Hojlund's future should Sesko join before the deadline, he added: 'I'm really happy with Rasmus, I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market. 'The important thing is the strikers who are here are working hard they are improving and helping the team. That is the most important thing. 'The important thing is people focus on the goals, we suffered from a lack of goals but I think not just the goals but the way he connects the play. 'Every time we kick the ball when we are pressed, the ability of him to hold the ball and connect the support is helping us a lot to play better. And we are playing better because he is playing better.' Arrow MORE: Viktor Gyokeres agent unhappy with transfer 'mess' involving Manchester United and Arsenal Arrow MORE: Matheus Cunha ruled out of Manchester United friendly vs Bournemouth
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
'Besiktas poised to resume Yilmaz talks'
Talks between Besiktas and Rangers about 24-year-old Ibrox left-back Ridvan Yilmaz were put on hold while the Turkish side prepared to face Shakhtar Donetsk in Europa League qualifying, but the parties will resume negotiations after Thursday's game. (Efecan Öztaş on X), externalRangers target Oliver Antman, the 23-year-old Go Ahead Eagles winger who has also caught the attention of Sheffield United, says he is ready for a new challenge and would like to play in the Champions League and in a top-five league, "but there are also great clubs in other countries". (Voetbal International via Glasgow Times), externalWrexham are among the front runners to sign 32-year-old Rangers-linked centre-half Conor Coady from Leicester City. (Daily Mail), externalBasel have agreed a deal to sign Andrej Bacanin for a £2m fee plus £600,000 add-ons from Cukaricki, who previously reported interest from Celtic and Rangers in the 18-year-old midfielder. (Fabrizio Romano on X), externalIanis Hagi's agent says the 26-year-old former Rangers midfielder is willing to sign for Legia Warsaw, but only if the Polish club pay a £1m signing-on fee and a salary of £600,000 a year - around £11,500 per week. (The Herald), externalRead Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
