Rangers Manager Martin Criticizes Team Mentality After Opening Draw

Rangers head coach Russell Martin expressed deep frustration and disappointment following a 1-1 draw against Motherwell, marking the third consecutive season the team failed to win their opening league match. Martin criticized his players for a lack of mentality, highlighting issues such as selfish decisions, anxiety-driven errors, and a tendency for some to slip into self-preservation mode rather than committing fully to the team's effort. He emphasized that the problem is not tactical but rooted in mentality, with players showing insufficient energy, aggression, and intensity, especially when games are not going well. Martin warned that resistance to his demands for high-intensity play and commitment would result in players losing their place in the team, signaling potential lineup changes to improve performance. He also acknowledged inheriting a longstanding mentality problem at the club but is determined to address it by fostering better teamwork and reducing egos in the dressing room. Despite progressing in the Champions League qualifiers, Martin's candid remarks underscore a pivotal moment as he seeks to instill a stronger collective mentality at Rangers.