Alious
Russell Martin’s brief reprieve after Rangers’ dramatic late win over Livingston has already evaporated, with his side crashing back down to reality in a damaging Europa League defeat against Sturm Graz.
Martin blames “mentality” as issues pile up
The Rangers boss, who is under growing pressure, described his team’s problems as more psychological than tactical after another underwhelming showing. First-half strikes from Tomi Horvat and Otar Kiteishvili left the visitors chasing the game in Austria, and although Djeidi Gassama pulled one back, Rangers couldn’t find an equaliser.
Frustrated in his post-match analysis, Martin admitted his side’s concentration levels collapsed at key moments:
> “The difference from the first half-hour to the next 60 minutes was too far apart. It’s mentality. We gave away two soft goals. That’s frustrating and hurtful.”
The loss continues a pattern that has haunted Martin’s reign so far: one step forward, two steps back.
#### **Kris Boyd slams “embarrassing” Rangers moment**
While Martin pointed to mentality, former striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd was having none of it. He singled out the defending for Sturm Graz’s opener as “embarrassing,” blasting the lack of organisation and responsibility in Rangers’ back line.
“It’s embarrassing defending from Rangers. So wide open. You’ve got to take care from the throw-in as well,” Boyd said, adding that goalkeeper Jack Butland should have done far better.
The criticism underlined just how far Rangers have fallen, with Boyd echoing a wider frustration among fans who have seen defensive lapses and soft goals undo the team repeatedly this season.
#### **Job on the line?**
With Rangers set to face Falkirk next in the Scottish Premiership – a side just two points behind them – Martin finds himself in yet another must-win situation. Anything less could see pressure boil over, particularly as speculation swirls around possible replacements.
One name being whispered is Steven Gerrard. The title-winning former Rangers boss is now free of contractual ties with Al-Ettifaq and could be a realistic option for a sensational return to Ibrox.
As things stand, Martin is clinging on, but another poor result this weekend may prove to be the breaking point.
Alious
