Russell Martin already ‘given Rangers boost’ ahead of Panathinaikos showdown
Russell Martin doesn’t have long to wait until he oversees his first competitive game as Rangers boss.
The Rangers squad are back at Auchenhowie on Monday (23 June) to get underway with pre-season training, meeting their new manager.
Preparations will be geared towards their Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos, which come at the end of July.
Rangers have early boost in Champions League clash
If Martin was hoping for a stress-free start to life at Ibrox, he was sorely mistaken.
Being knocked out of Champions League qualification last season proved to be an early failure for Philippe Clement in a campaign that never recovered.
| Played | Won | Drew | Lost |
| 38 | 22 | 9 | 7 |
With that in mind, the Gers have been warned about how much is riding on this game, piling the pressure on already.
What’s more, with no signings yet completed at Ibrox, there is plenty of concern that things are not moving quickly enough under the new Rangers ownership.
Thankfully for the new manager, the pressure may have already reduced somewhat already, thanks to circumstances on the side of their European opponents.
Rangers make the trip to Greece for the second leg of their game against Panathinaikos and according to the Daily Record (21 June), the home side will be unable to host the game in their own stadium.
It’s stated that Panathinaikos’ ground is undergoing a rebuild this summer, and while they will return to their home for the new season, it’s not set to be ready in time for the clash against the Scottish Premiership side.
Instead, the game will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.
Rangers have no excuse not to take advantage
There is plenty riding on this Champions League tie at Ibrox.
Not only will it send a serious statement about where Rangers are expected to be under Martin this term, but the financial aid could be a big boost for the Gers too.
Therefore, the Bears have to take full advantage of the circumstances that lie ahead of them.
Having the home tie first should play to their advantage, especially as supporters will be geared up to show their support for the new era at Ibrox.
If the Light Blues can then travel to Greece with an advantage already, to face Panathinaikos in a ground which isn’t their home, Martin’s side will have a real opportunity to progress.
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