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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Moment Russell Martin snaps at reporter as Rangers boss doubles down on squad criticism after Motherwell draw
RUSSELL MARTIN has told any Rangers stars who felt hurt by his words on Saturday that that's THEIR problem. The Ibrox boss called out his players in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Motherwell at the weekend, claiming some of them needed to "drop their egos". 2 Russell Martin spoke to reporters today on the back of the draw against Motherwell Credit: PA Martin's bombshell post-match interview came as quite a shock to some punters and pundits alike, but he revealed he'd had the same conversation with the squad in the dressing room at full-time. Now 48 hours on and with the Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen on the horizon, Martin has doubled down on his criticism. During a press conference he was asked if he felt he had "gone too early" by being so honest in publicly chastising his players. But he snapped back and insisted that nothing he said was personal - and that he can't pick and choose when to be honest. He began: "I'm just not here to play any games really and be political and all that. "I think I'm in a job that demands certain things and when we fall short of that, there's just no point in hiding behind stuff. "The fundamental problem on Saturday was not knowledge, was not ability, it was attitude. I wasn't emotional on Saturday, it was exactly what I said to the players. "The response has been good. You have to watch some clips in here, in this room you're sitting in now, and I have to explain to them why, to make them understand what's expected and what's not going to be acceptable. "This football club and the supporters will demand certain things that are not acceptable and certain things have to be shown, every single minute you're on the pitch. "It's the same old stuff I've said from day one, just fight, willingness to run, to help each other out. Players are running the Rangers dressing room - Martin knows EXACTLY what he's doing "It is hard, to play for this club is not for everyone, it's not easy. You have to be a really resilient and strong person. The self-preservation stuff I spoke about happens throughout football. "It's really difficult when you're having tough moments, you slip back into trying to protect yourself, but actually that doesn't help. "I have empathy for players when it gets tough, but let's always go back to being really horrible and hard to play against. "We weren't hard enough to play against on Saturday, so that's what it came down to. There was no point in sugarcoating it, the players know what to expect, I'm really honest with them, and I was really honest with everyone else. "People can make what they want of it. We're three games in, we haven't been beaten in any of them games, but we have a lot to improve and work on. "The stuff to improve needs to be technical, tactical. The thing that, while we're building and changing so much, and change can often be messy, the things that need to work on can't be mentality, it has to be the rest of it. "The detail, the technical stuff, the tactical stuff, and we'll work on that together and we'll get better and develop. Let's build it on the basis of a really strong mentality wherever we go. That has to be the bottom line." Martin was then asked outright if such a brutally honest performance review after just one league game was "too early". To which he clapped back: "Gone too early with what?" "There's not a choice to be honest sometimes and then to sometimes not. "That's how I feel in life in general and in my job and it's how I've been for six years with the players. "There's been a couple of times when I've done it at previous clubs and never had to do it again. "But it's the same conversation with the players. And then when they come in and they look at stuff, I think they understand why I would say it. "So it's not an attack on anyone personally. It's about us as a football club being stronger and understanding what we need to actually bring success and to win here. "It's not a contrived thing. It's not like, oh, he's gone early and all this stuff. "I had a few messages about it. It's not an attack on any one person. "It's about making sure we understand as a club, the players, the staff, the supporters, what's acceptable and what's going to help us win. "The stuff that hurts on Saturday shouldn't be the stuff that hurts us. "I think we need to create a culture and we need to develop some leaders already here. "Because I think we have some that are really capable for sure." Martin isn't looking for those leaders to be rant and rave types. They just need to be selfless above all else and put the team before themselves. He said: "It's none of the shouting and ranting and raving and all that stuff. It's about being selfless. "I think it's about consistency in behaviour and performance and attitude and the selflessness to help your teammates when the going gets tough. "And I think, you know, there's people out there and it's not the old school ranting and raving and stuff like that. "Even when people do that, I think if they're behind that, they're actually there all the time and they're there for their teammates. I think that's what we'll look for." Martin also had a message for anyone who did take his comments to heart. He insists if that's the case, they probably aren't the kind of people he wants to build his squad around going forward. Martin said: "I think if it has a detrimental effect on certain individuals, then they're probably not the ones that we want to come on a journey with us. "If it has a detrimental effect on you and it hurts you to the point where you feel singled out, then there's probably an issue with you being all in at this place and this club and with us. 2"I don't have any worry about it being detrimental on the team. Whenever I've questioned any of our teams in the past about attitude, the response has been fantastic." 2 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
When is Rangers' Champions League playoff round draw, who can they face and what happens if they lose to Viktoria Plzen?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSELL MARTIN told Rangers fans in midweek that victory over Panathinaikos gives the club a chance to really "attack" the Champions League. And the next stage in that journey will be mapped out this Monday, even before his side take to the field for their third qualifying round clash against Viktoria Plzen. 2 Rangers' coach Russell Martin looks on Credit: EPA 2 Rangers players thank their fans after the Panathinaikos win Credit: AFP The good news for the Ibrox men is that, unlike the previous round, is that their name will only be in ONE draw when the ceremony is made in Nyon. That's because victory over the Greeks GUARANTEES Rangers Europa League group phase football at worst. But it's the Champions League that Rangers really want - with the chance to rake in a cool £40m from their involvement in the club's new look glamour club competition for the first time. First up it is a Plzen side under the charge of wily veteran coach Miroslav Koubek who have achieved some remarkable results in Europe in recent years. But the bad news for Martin and his men is that things don't get any easier - with some massive teams still lying in wait in the playoff round, then the Gers are unseeded. Celtic too will see their name pulled from the hat from the first time, with the Hoops having five potential opponents in the 'Champions Path'. But here's everything you need to know about the draw from a Rangers perspective. When is Rangers' Champions League playoff round draw? Rangers will learn their Champions League play-off round draw fate this Monday, August 4 It gets under way at 11am The draw will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon Is Rangers' Champions League playoff round draw on TV and can I live stream it? The draw will be streamed live on Alternatively you can follow it all on SunSport's live blog Will Rangers be seeded and who can they face in the Champions League play-off round? Rangers will be UNSEEDED for the play-off round draw There's two options for Russell Martin's side - they'll either face the winners of Nice vs Benfica, or the winners of Club Brugge vs Red Bull Salzburg The Ibrox side drew 2-2 with Club Brugge in a pre-season friendly under Russell Martin The first legs will be played on 19/20 August 2025 with the second legs 26/27 August 2025 What happens if Rangers LOSE to Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round Rangers drop directly into the Europa League group phase That guarantees them EIGHT matches Rangers star Dujon Sterling spotted on revolutionary anti-gravity treadmill as he ramps up injury recovery Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Panathinaikos vs Rangers: Two Gers stars don't travel as Martin bids to keep UCL dream alive in Athens
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSELL MARTIN's biggest priority is building a team which is capable of dethroning Celtic to capture the Scottish Premiership title. But it's all about Europe this midweek as Rangers aim first to conquer Greece by dumping another Shamrock club to become the new Kings of Athens. 2 The UEFA Champions League trophy Credit: Getty 2 Russell Martin during his side's last training session in Glasgow before the second leg Credit: Willie Vass Martin kicked off his Ibrox reign with a massive 2-0 win over Panathinaikos at Ibrox in the first leg as Gers took the driving seat in the second round qualifying round tie. Stunning goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gasssama gives the Light Blues a much-needed two-goal cushion for when the return clash in Athens gets underway TOMORROW night. The winner of this tie will face whoever comes out on top between Viktoria Plzen and Servette, with the Swiss outfit the favourites to advance following a 1-0 win in Czechia in the first leg. The losers, however, face arguably a tougher tie in the Europa League third qualifying round as the winner of Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas lies in their wait. Plenty is at stake when Rangers face Panathinaikos in the blockbuster showdown. And SunSport has all the details ahead of the massive clash. What time does Panathinaikos vs Rangers kick off? Panathinaikos are hostingRangers TODAY, Wednesday, July 30. The game will kick off at 7pm UK time. It will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. What TV channel is Panathinaikos vs Rangers on and can I live stream it? Panathinaikos vs Rangers will be FREE to watch and stream on BBC Scotland. It will be broadcast live on the BBC Scotland channel and fans can stream the game live via the BBC iPlayer. Coverage begins at 6.45pm - 15 minutes before kick off. It will also be available for Rangers TV customers too. BBC Sportsound will have radio commentary for the match. Alternatively, you can follow all the action right here via SunSport's LIVE blog. Team news Panathinaikos will be without Emmanouil Siopis through injury, while Giorgos Vagiannidis won't be available either as he's suspended after picking up his red card in the first leg. Gers boss Martin, meanwhile, will be without several first team players after he didn't include them in his Champions League squad. Rangers fans unfurl giant tifo ahead of Russell Martin's first match These players include Clinton Nsiala, Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo (also injured), Ross McCausland, Jose Cifuentes and Dujon Sterling (injured). Summer signing Thelo Aasgaard is a major doubt along with Hamza Igamane after the pair missed training 24 hours before the big game. Latest odds Panathinaikos - 7/10 Draw - 13/5 Rangers - 14/5 *Latest odds correct from Sky Bet as of Tuesday, July 29. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
What Russell Martin told Rangers stars after pre-season draw with League One Barnsley
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSELL MARTIN reckons five days at a sweltering St George's Park will prove ideal preparation for the baking Champions League heat of Athens. Rangers rounded off their stay at the home of English football with a 1-1 draw against Barnsley. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Russel Martin's revealed what he told his Gers team after a draw with Barnsley Credit: PA 2 Preparations are continuing ahead of European qualifiers Credit: PA More closed door friendlies are planned with Gers' crunch second round qualifier against Panathinaikos just two weeks away. There were fears that with so many new signings Martin's men would be undercooked. But the Gers boss insisted: 'We take away loads physically. 'It's been so hot all week and the guys have trained really hard in the heat. 'That will help us prepare for the game in Greece in a couple of weeks. "There was loads of improvement today. Tactically, understanding. 'There was some really good stuff and of course there is stuff that we need to work on. 'I've just said to the guys that we'll analyse this game properly tomorrow because we're travelling back tonight. 'However they feel about the game, the week as a whole has been brilliant. 'Loads of physical work in the heat. There's more noise in the group and a real togetherness. Rangers boss Russell Martin opens up on transfer plans as he delivers updates on Dessers and Igamane 'We end the week in a much better place than we started it and that's all you can ask for. 'There's a willingness to try and their understanding is growing all the time which I have been so happy about. 'We just need to keep building and keep improving and make sure we're ready in a couple of weeks' time. 'We have a few more games before Panathinaikos for us to get ready, to try a few things. 'It's all about getting ready for that game.' Danilo grabbed Gers' goal, with League One Barnsley levelling in the second half. Meanwhile, a SEVENTH signing of the window at Ibrox could be getting very close. It's reported that a deal for former PSG kid Djeidi Gassama is 'edging closer' after a delay in finalising paperwork from Sheffield Wednesday's end. The Gers manager previously said: 'With Djeidi I think it's all done at our end. 'I think with Sheffield Wednesday and the difficulties they are experiencing, it is tough for them. 'So we're waiting on their end to be sorted, but I think we fully expect Gas to be our player, hopefully very soon. 'He's different from what we've got. I think we need a point of difference in the squad. "We need a few and he'll be one of them, hopefully.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Full list of Rangers Champions League draw opponents as Russell Martin's side to learn qualifying fate – TV, live stream
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSELL MARTIN hasn't had long to get this head around the massive task which is leading Rangers back to glory. But time doesn't wait for anyone - especially not in Scottish football - and particularly when it comes to the Champions League qualifiers this summer. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Rangers lost in Champions League qualifying to Dynamo Kyiv last year Credit: PA 2 Rangers will be back in the Champions League draw again Credit: Getty While champions Celtic also have to qualify this year, the Ibrox side will enter Uefa's top competition at the second qualifying round stage. Winning that tie is of paramount importance to Gers as it will significantly impact how difficult it could become to secure European group stage football of some sort for the season ahead. The Light Blues made another deep run in Europe last season, reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League before losing to Athletic Bilbao. They'll start a level above for this campaign and will hope to improve on their last showing in the Champions League proper when they finished with the worst record of any team during the 2022-23 season (Gers failed to qualify at all last year). Here's all you need to know for the Champions League draw, when Rangers will find out who they play. When is the Champions League second qualifying round draw? The Champions League second qualifying round draw will be held on TOMORROW, Wednesday June 18 It will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland Proceedings will get underway at around 11am UK time Are Rangers seeded for the draw? Yes, Rangers are seeded for the Champions League second qualifying round draw As second placed finishers in the Premiership season they go into the League Path for the qualifying rounds For the second qualifying round, they are seeded alongside Red Bull Salzburg and Viktoria Plzen Who could Rangers face in the Champions League second qualifying round? That means Rangers will face either Panathinaikos, Servette or Brann in the Champions League second qualifying round All three of those teams are unseeded Like Rangers, all three of those sides finished second in their respective leagues Of those teams, Brann have the lowest co-efficient (7.937) but are in the middle of their campaign where they sit second. Servette come next (11.5) with Panathinaikos the highest ranked non-seed (16.0) When are the the Champions League second qualifying round fixtures? The first leg of the ties will take place on 22/23 July The second legs will be held on 29/30 July What happens if Rangers lose in the second qualifying round? If Rangers lose in the second qualifying round, they will drop into the Europa League third qualifying round as an UNSEEDED team. Moment Ally McCoist interrupts live radio to congratulate his 'wee pal' on signing for Rangers That would put them at the mercy of some strong sides on the continent. Anderlecht, Braga, Midtjylland and PAOK are all confirmed as seeded sides in the Europa League third qualifying round. Those fixtures are scheduled for 7 and 14 August and there is NO parachute into the Europa Conference League league phase for the losers at this stage. Instead, Gers would face a play-off to reach the group stages. It's hard to say whether the Glasgow side would be seeded here or not as the 26 winners of the Conference League's third qualifying round and the other four would-be losers in the Europa League third qualifying round are obviously yet to be determined. Of the team current in the picture though, only Serie A outfit Fiorentina have a higher club coefficient than Gers. But in the worst case scenario, Rangers would be OUT of Europe by the middle of August. What happens if Rangers win in the Champions League second qualifying round? A win in the the second qualifying round would guarantee group stage football for Russell Martin's Gers. That's because the losers of the Champions League third qualifying round drop into the league phase of the Europa League. And if Rangers win the third qualifying round tie as well then they would of course go into the play-off round. It's straightforward from there: win and it's into the Champions League proper, lose and it's the Europa League league phase once again. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
