Linz, Austria – Rangers‘ struggles continued in austria wiht a defeat that further intensifies the scrutiny on manager Russell Martin, following a performance marred by defensive errors adn a perceived lack of mental fortitude.
The loss raises questions about Rangers’ ability to build momentum after a recent Scottish Premiership win against Livingston, and places increased pressure on Martin to address fundamental issues within the squad. The team’s recent defensive vulnerabilities were exposed early, with goals conceded within the opening minutes highlighting a concerning pattern.
The opening goal arrived after just seven minutes, stemming from a poor throw-in by James Tavernier which was quickly capitalized on by Dimitri Lavalee, Maurice Malone, and ultimately finished by Tomi Horvat.
The second goal, described as a “defensive calamity,” saw a high line undone by a well-placed free-kick, leaving goalkeeper Jack Butland exposed. Former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton labelled the defending as “schoolboy stuff.”
Martin attributed the goals not to tactical shortcomings, but to a lapse in concentration and mentality. “Two mistakes due to the Ibrox side’s mentality, according to Martin. Nothing to do with their set-up, system or style,” he stated.
“the difference from the first half-hour to the next 60 minutes was too far apart really,” Martin explained. “It’s concentration, it’s mentality.”
He expressed frustration with the team’s performance, emphasizing the preventable nature of the goals. “I’m frustrated because we give away two poor goals, soft goals. We did so much work on them recently we were just not alive.”
Martin further noted that the opposition created little from open play, highlighting the self-inflicted nature of the defeat. “We hurt ourselves as they didn’t create anything from open play. It’s hurtful and frustrating.”
