The recent Champions League qualifiers saw Rangers navigate a challenging path, ultimately progressing past Panathinaikos. Yet, an unusual wave of disproportionate criticism has met the team and manager Russell Martin, seemingly overlooking the significant achievement and the context of their European journey.
While some fan reactions might suggest a sense of guilt surrounding their progression, the reality from Athens painted a starkly different picture. The Greek side was left utterly devastated by the 3-1 aggregate defeat, a testament to the intensity of the tie and the stakes involved in these crucial European encounters. To imply Rangers were fortunate or undeserving disregards the opposition’s strong pedigree.
Manager Russell Martin has been consistently transparent about his long-term vision, emphasizing the implementation of a completely new tactical approach at Ibrox. Such fundamental shifts in playing style inherently demand time for players to adapt and for the system to truly gel. Expecting immediate, flawless execution, particularly in high-pressure Champions League Qualifiers, is an unrealistic burden.
Indeed, when the draw for the qualifiers was first announced, Panathinaikos was widely considered the toughest possible opponent for Rangers at that juncture. Their pedigree and passionate home support made them a formidable hurdle, underscoring the achievement of the Scottish Premiership side in overcoming them.
Questions have been raised regarding Rangers being “wide open” during phases of play. However, consider the scenario at the Olympic Stadium: Panathinaikos, two goals down on their home turf, driven by 40,000 fervent fans, were bound to push aggressively for goals. In such an environment, maintaining absolute defensive solidity while also seeking progression is a delicate balance, and accusing Rangers of being open without acknowledging the opposition’s desperation seems unfair.
Crucially, the team’s commitment on the field has been undeniable. Despite the challenges, the players have demonstrated immense effort, “grafting their a***s off” for Martin and his coaching staff. This dedication signifies a vital buy-in to the manager’s philosophy, indicating a strong team cohesion that bodes well for future challenges in the Scottish Premiership and European football.
Historical parallels offer perspective; even highly successful managers have faced initial periods of struggle while embedding new systems. For instance, Postecoglou experienced early setbacks when attempting to establish a new playing-out-from-the-back style, highlighting that the path to tactical mastery is rarely linear and often involves a period of adjustment and learning for the squad.
While Russell Martin undoubtedly faces a mountain of work ahead to fully mold his Rangers squad into a consistent, dominant force, the current progression in the Champions League and the team’s evident dedication provide a strong foundation. Disregarding their European success due to perceived imperfections misses the broader narrative of a team in transition, striving for excellence.
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