Rangers Boss Martin Slams Mentality After Motherwell Draw

Rangers manager Russell Martin has launched a scathing attack on his players' mentality, ego, and effort following their 1-1 draw against Motherwell in their opening Scottish Premiership fixture. Martin, just three games into his tenure at Ibrox, didn't hold back, stating his team were "lucky to get a point" and accusing some players of prioritising "self-preservation" over collective effort.

"Ego Problem" at Ibrox, Says Martin

Martin expressed his disappointment and frustration, claiming the Fir Park side were "braver" and "more aggressive" than his own team. He criticised the lack of cohesion and suggested a deep-rooted problem within the club, where players revert to individualistic tendencies when the team faces adversity. "We had two men on the pitch today that want to do what they want to do," Martin said, adding that "some of them have to drop their ego."

This marks the third consecutive season Rangers have failed to win their opening league match, but it's the first time Martin has publicly criticised his squad so directly and forcefully. The draw raises immediate questions about Rangers' readiness to mount a serious title challenge this season, particularly given Celtic's dominant form in recent years.

Key Quotes from Martin's Post-Match Rant

"I think we were lucky to get a point. We were nowhere near where we need to be. And I'm extremely disappointed and hurt by that." "We pick and choose when we want to play properly and when we want to run hard… too many players that want to do their own thing and slip into self-preservation." "There is a default here at this football club to revert to type. When it's going really well, everyone's all in. When it's not going well, you protect yourself a little bit." "There'll be people left behind if they don't want to come because they need to understand what playing for this football club will take and what it means." "Today, it's a mentality problem. And we got more than what we deserved, actually."

Pundits React to Martin's Explosive Comments

Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson, speaking on BBC Sportsound before Motherwell's equaliser, voiced concerns about Rangers' lack of a clear tactical approach. "At the moment there's nothing coming from Rangers; it's quite worrying," he said. Kris Boyd, an ex-Rangers striker, speaking on Sky Sports, acknowledged it was early in the season but was "alarmed" by Martin calling out players so early in his tenure.

Former Celtic forward Chris Sutton, while agreeing with some of Martin's assessment, described the manager's comments as "extreme." Sutton highlighted the substitutions of Mohamed Diomande and Danilo shortly before Motherwell's equaliser and suggested Martin's remarks implied he thought those players were "rank rotten."

Analysis: A Bold Strategy or a Risky Gamble?

The timing and severity of Martin's criticism have sparked debate within Scottish football. Some see it as a necessary wake-up call, a bold attempt to address underlying issues that have plagued Rangers in recent seasons. Others view it as a risky gamble that could alienate players and destabilise the squad early in the campaign.

“Martin is clearly trying to stamp his authority and change the culture at Rangers,” says Scottish football analyst Ally McCoist. “He’s identified a lack of mental fortitude and a tendency for players to hide when the going gets tough. While the directness of his approach is unusual, it could be exactly what’s needed to shake things up. However, he needs to back up these words with tactical improvements and a clear plan to address the issues he’s highlighted.”

Stats Paint a Grim Picture

Motherwell's performance statistics further highlight Rangers' struggles. According to Opta, Motherwell's expected goals (xG) tally was 2.21 compared to Rangers' 0.7. Motherwell also created five "big chances" compared to Rangers' one. Rangers faced 17 shots at Fir Park, meaning they've faced 51 shots in just three games this season. While they've only conceded twice, their opponents have amassed a total expected goals tally of 5.58, indicating a degree of defensive vulnerability.

Fan Reaction Mixed

The reaction from Rangers fans has been mixed, ranging from frustration and disappointment to cautious optimism. Some supporters have expressed concerns about the team's performance and Martin's tactics, while others have praised his honesty and willingness to address the club's problems head-on.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Martin as he attempts to translate his strong words into tangible improvements on the pitch. He faces a significant challenge in rebuilding the team's mentality and fostering a culture of collective responsibility if Rangers are to compete for the Scottish Premiership title.