Tuesday night saw Rangersโ Champions League qualification hopes looked to have faded after just 20 minutes. Fans filed out the exits, and boos rang out. Although Danilo got one back for the hosts, the 3-1 score and a bleak performance in Glasgow only mounted more pressure on manager Russell Martin. In typical fashion, the Scottish media were critical in their dissection of the eveningโs events.
According to the Daily Record, Martin could really use a call to the Samaritans during this first half of the season. The Herald added more of a catastrophic nautical theme.
โTurning the tanker called Rangers around could take longer than it took to get the container ship moving that blocked the Suez Canal a few years ago. Rangers supporters erupted in a hurricane of boos at halftime. At least, the part that hadnโt already sought the exit after the 0-3 lead. If this continues, Martin will soon be gone again.โ
The Scotsman provided a cutting look at the bleak showing. โMartin had told his players before the match to enjoy playing. Well, unless theyโre masochistic, this was mainly a test of endurance. The pressure on Martin has now been further increased.โ
The BBC watched Ibrox turn against Rangers. โWhen that happens, itโs tempting to put on earplugs and a crash helmet. Those arenโt pretty moments. Itโs loud and vicious, with words that cut like knives. Russell Martin will need every ounce of resilience he has. Any mental strength is welcome in the bear pit he now inhabits.โ
Rangers have had a difficult start to the season. Their first two league matches ended in draws, putting their eternal rivals Celtic four points ahead. Last weekend, the team struggled in the League Cup against League One club Alloa Athletic, but ultimately prevailed with a 4-2 win.
GBeNeFNย |ย Max Bradfield
