Russell Martin punishes Rangers squad as rule breaches detailed
Russell Martin is facing a baptism of fire at Rangers with their crucial Champions League tie now just days away.
The Gers will welcome Panathinaikos to Ibrox on Tuesday (22 July) for the first game of a two-legged clash that could already have a significant impact on their season.
Rangers recently named their squad for the Champions League second round qualifier, and the Govan outfit will be desperate to ensure they secure a safe passage through to the next stage.
For Martin, it represents a huge test to have such a crucial assignment come so early into his tenure, as there will be massive pressure on him and his squad to perform and get the right result.
Martin punished Rangers squad at St George’s Park
Martin’s appointment at Rangers has prompted its fair share of controversy, and there will be even more scrutiny on him throughout the two games against the Greek giants.
The former Southampton and Swansea boss has had little time to mould the team into his image, but now faces the sort of test which could easily define his reign.
Rangers have recently spent time at St George’s Park for a pre-season training camp, and it has now emerged that Martin handed out a punishment to his squad following an unspecified rule breach, according to Hugh Keevins in the print edition of the Sunday Mail (20 July, pg. 57).
The issue is understood to have occurred last week, with the 39-year-old boss opting to “run his players into submission,” despite the fact they had a friendly arranged for the following day.
Martin needs to justify his methods with a positive result
News of Martin’s disciplinary action is an unwelcome update ahead of the big night at Ibrox on Tuesday (22 July).
It is completely understandable that the new boss has a desire to stamp his authority on the squad, especially when he feels that they have slipped below his and their standards.
However, an authoritarian approach can quickly turn sour in the eyes of the players if it doesn’t deliver results on the pitch.
The Gers have undergone a huge amount of change since the conclusion of the previous Premiership campaign, and it will take time for the entire club to transition into the Martin era.
A positive result against Panathinaikos would certainly go a long way towards settling some of the unrest that is present in Govan at the minute.
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