Rangers manager Russell Martin did not hold back in his post-match assessment after his side dropped points on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season. The Ibrox outfit were held to a disappointing draw away from home, failing to capitalise on a dominant first half and allowing their opponents back into the game in the closing stages.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Martin criticised the mentality of his squad, suggesting a lack of focus and intensity cost them a vital early win. “It’s not about tactics or talent today — it’s about mentality,” he said. “We controlled the match for long periods, but when it mattered most, we didn’t show the resilience or killer instinct needed to win.”
Martin, who took charge of Rangers earlier this year, made it clear that such lapses will not be tolerated if the club is serious about reclaiming the Premiership title. “This is Rangers. Expectations are high — and rightly so. We can’t afford to switch off mentally and let games slip away. It’s unacceptable.”
The boss also hinted that some players may be at risk of losing their places in the starting XI unless standards improve. “We’ve got a competitive squad, and if some players can’t meet the demands of playing for this club every single week, others will get their chance.”
The result puts early pressure on Martin’s tenure as he seeks to mould a squad capable of challenging Celtic for the title. With tough fixtures ahead, fans will be eager to see how the team responds — both mentally and on the pitch — in the coming weeks.
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