Rangers Europa League Hopes Fade as Russell Martin Blames Mentality

Rangers manager Russell Martin found himself under intense scrutiny after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz on Thursday, further complicating their Europa League campaign. As the Ibrox side slumped to their sixth loss under Martin’s tenure, the boss insisted that tactical issues were not to blame, instead pointing to a worrying mentality among his players.

Rangers Europa League Defeat Exposes Mental Frailty

Rangers’ Europa League aspirations took another hit as they fell behind early against Sturm Graz, conceding two goals within the first 35 minutes. The defensive lapses left the Scottish side in disarray, with Martin visibly frustrated on the touchline. Despite a spirited second-half performance, which saw Djeidi Gassama pull one back, Rangers could not overturn the deficit, leaving their supporters deeply disappointed.

Martin addressed the post-match boos from travelling fans, firmly stating, “It’s not a tactical problem.” The manager defended his game plan, asserting that the breakdown stemmed from a lack of focus and resilience on the pitch. He called out his squad’s mentality, urging them to show more character as pressure mounts in the group stages.

Russell Martin’s Leadership Questioned After Six Losses

The result marks the sixth defeat for Russell Martin since taking charge at Rangers, intensifying calls for a turnaround. With the Europa League campaign on the brink and the Scottish Premiership race heating up, Martin’s ability to inspire his squad is under the microscope. He admitted post-match that the team’s “mentality was simply not strong enough” in key moments against Sturm Graz, highlighting a recurring issue that has plagued the squad in recent weeks.

Fan Reaction and Dressing Room Response

Boos echoed from the Rangers’ away section at full-time, with supporters demanding answers after another lacklustre European display. Several players left the pitch with heads bowed, while Martin spent extra time addressing the team behind closed doors. The manager emphasized the need for unity and focus if Rangers are to salvage their campaign.

What’s Next for Rangers?

With upcoming fixtures in both domestic and European competitions, the pressure is on Russell Martin to implement changes and restore confidence within his ranks. Rangers must quickly regroup and address the mentality issues highlighted by their manager. Failure to do so could see their Europa League hopes slip away entirely.

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Opinion: Mental Strength Must Become Rangers’ Priority

It’s clear that tactical tweaks alone won’t solve Rangers’ current struggles. Russell Martin is right to highlight mentality as a fundamental issue, but addressing it is a complex task that requires strong leadership, accountability, and buy-in from every player. If Rangers want to compete at the highest level, building mental resilience must be at the heart of their recovery.