Rangers face criticism for mentality issues after a frustrating season opener against Motherwell, drawing 1-1 despite an early lead.
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Rangers kicked off their William Hill Premiership campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Motherwell, leaving manager Russell Martin visibly frustrated with his players’ mentality. James Tavernier scored early for Rangers in the 14th minute, but the team couldn’t hold on to their lead, allowing Emmanuel Longelo to equalize in the 87th minute.
This result marks the third consecutive season in which Rangers have failed to win their opening match. What’s going wrong for this storied club?
Match Overview and Key Moments
The match started with a glimmer of hope for Rangers, as skipper James Tavernier headed home from a corner, putting the Ibrox side ahead.
But the momentum quickly faded. Despite their early goal, Rangers struggled to convert further opportunities and let Motherwell dominate possession. In a dramatic turn of events, Longelo’s late goal left Rangers with a frustrating draw. Could they have done more to seal the win?
After the match, Martin didn’t hold back in his criticism of the players’ performance.
“I’m very disappointed and a bit hurt and a bit angry at a lot of stuff I saw,” he stated. While he praised Motherwell for their effort, he emphasized that the issues within his team were rooted in mentality, not tactics. “We haven’t started games well enough,” he reflected, recalling the team’s struggles in recent European matches.
Manager’s Concerns: Mentality Over Tactics
Martin’s frustration zeroed in on the mindset of his players, which he believes is holding them back. “Too much ego, too much self-preservation,” he remarked, stressing the need for full commitment at all times. He lamented that when challenges arise, some players back off instead of stepping up. “You pick and choose when you want to compete, and it’s unacceptable for this sort of club,” he asserted. Is it time for a culture shift within the team?
These comments point to a deeper issue that has lingered within the Rangers squad for years. Martin is determined to tackle these mentality challenges as the season unfolds. “We’re six weeks in; there will be issues. But the issue today is purely mentality,” he reiterated, calling for a change in culture among the players.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Improvement
As Rangers gear up for their next match, the pressure mounts to address the issues Martin has highlighted. Failure to secure a win on opening day could see them fall behind their rivals, Celtic, who are set to face St Mirren next. Martin’s priority will be to instill a stronger mentality in his players, preparing them to compete consistently throughout the season. Can they rise to the occasion?
On the other side, Motherwell’s new manager, Jens Berthel Askou, expressed disappointment in not securing all three points despite a commendable performance from his side. “I was very disappointed on their behalf that they didn’t get the win at the end because we did everything we could to get the win,” he said. Askou acknowledged the need for improvement in critical moments but praised his players’ effort and determination. What does the future hold for both teams as they navigate the season ahead?
