Linz, austria - Rangers‘ struggles continued in Austria with a defeat that further intensifies the scrutiny on manager Russell Martin, following a performance marred by defensive errors and a perceived lack of mental fortitude.
Despite a recent Scottish Premiership victory against Livingston, Rangers appear unable to build sustained momentum, and this latest setback raises serious questions about the team’s consistency and resilience under Martin’s leadership. The match saw Rangers concede two goals in the first half, exposing vulnerabilities that have become a recurring theme.
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,” resulted from a high line being exploited by a well-placed free-kick, leaving goalkeeper Jack Butland exposed. Former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton labeled the defending as “schoolboy stuff.”
Martin attributed the goals not to tactical deficiencies, but to a lapse in concentration and mentality within his squad. “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 to far apart really,” Martin explained. “It’s concentration, it’s mentality.”
The head coach expressed his frustration with the soft goals conceded, emphasizing the team’s recent work on defensive institution. “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 lamented that the opposition had not created any chances from open play, highlighting the self-inflicted nature of the defeat. ”We hurt ourselves because they didn’t create anything from open play. It’s hurtful and frustrating.”
