Published: 03 August ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk
In what can only be described as a brutally honest and emotionally charged post-match reaction, Rangers manager Russell Martin has pulled no punches following his side’s underwhelming 1-1 draw against Motherwell on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership. The result marks the third consecutive season in which Rangers have failed to secure victory in their first league fixture—an alarming trend that Martin appears determined to halt at all costs.
Despite James Tavernier giving Rangers the lead with a headed goal, they failed to hold onto their advantage as Emmanuel Longelo struck late to secure a point for the home side. While the result itself was frustrating, it was the manner of the performance that truly incensed Martin, who described his team as “lucky” to escape with even a draw.
In a stark departure from the diplomatic approach often seen from managers in early-season interviews, Martin expressed deep disappointment, stating, “We were nowhere near where we need to be, and I’m extremely disappointed and hurt by that.” He went further to commend Motherwell for being “braver” and “more aggressive,” adding that some of his own players needed to “drop their ego.”
Martin was clear in accepting tactical responsibility for the draw but quickly turned the spotlight to what he believes is a more fundamental issue—mentality. “Today, it’s not really tactical, it’s a mentality problem, and we got more than what we deserved actually,” he declared. The former Swansea City boss also indicated that this match exposed some uncomfortable truths about the commitment levels within the squad.
The outspoken manager didn’t mince words when he warned that European competition cannot be used as a scapegoat for poor domestic performances. “Europe is not an excuse,” Martin emphasized. “This club demands to play in Europe… and we have to manage [fixtures] way better than today.”
His comments come despite the club’s significant summer overhaul, with eight new signings already through the door. Still, Martin made it clear that his patience is limited and that places in the squad are very much up for grabs. Highlighting Cyriel Dessers as an example of the kind of effort he expects, Martin noted, “He comes on and he runs so hard. Some of them need to have a look at him and set that example.”
Martin’s scathing remarks are not simply motivational soundbites. They point to a clear line in the sand: those unwilling to give their all will be “left behind.” He emphasized that wearing the Rangers shirt is not merely about enjoying the highs, but being able to endure the pressures and grind of expectation. “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,” he said.
The manager also expressed empathy for fans, acknowledging their frustration but insisting the season remains a work in progress. Yet his insistence on swift accountability raised eyebrows across Scottish football. Critics and pundits alike are already debating whether Martin’s hardline approach is premature or precisely what the club needs.
“He’s gone very early with this,” one commentator observed. “It’s a bit desperate, first game of the season—and he’s basically machine-gunned the dressing room. For him to do that so soon, he must really think they’re not good enough.”
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd echoed the sentiment but backed Martin’s stance. “For a long time, Rangers managers have sugar-coated things. He’s annoyed, and he’s right to be,” Boyd commented. “There’s been far too many players who’ve ran all over the top of managers at this football club. He has to be ruthless.”
Boyd also warned that Martin’s early warning shot should be taken seriously by the squad. “He singled out one or two players in terms of doing OK, but there was a load of them there today that were miles off it—and it’s the same thing again.”
As the dust settles on a turbulent start to the campaign, one thing is clear: Russell Martin is not here to coast. He expects fire, fight, and full commitment. Anything less will be met with the kind of candor that could either galvanize or fracture a dressing room under pressure. Only time—and the next few fixtures—will reveal which direction this Rangers squad chooses to go
