What’s Stopping Martin's Rangers from Winning Football Matches?

Rangers Football Club is currently experiencing a tumultuous period, with five league games yielding zero wins and a precarious position at 10th in the Scottish Premiership. The team's struggles have led to criticism from former players and fans alike, as under-pressure head coach Russell Martin faces mounting challenges. With a lack of goals and a shaky defensive setup, many are questioning the club's direction and its chances of competing for the title this season.

Last updated: 18 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Rangers are without a league win in their first five matches.
• New head coach Russell Martin faces significant pressure amid poor performances.
• Team captain James Tavernier described recent displays as "embarrassing".
• The club has only scored three league goals, none from open play.
• Nicolas Raskin's omission is a point of contention, affecting the team's creativity.
• Upcoming fixtures could determine Martin's future at the club.

Current State of Rangers

The current season has seen Rangers struggle significantly, with a record that reads five matches and no victories. This alarming start has left the club languishing in the lower echelons of the Scottish Premiership, a stark contrast to the expectations of a club with such a storied history. Following their latest defeat, a 2-0 loss to Hearts at Ibrox, Russell Martin became the first Rangers head coach in 47 years to fail to secure a win in his first five league games.

Performance Analysis: What Went Wrong?

Neil McCann, a former winger and assistant manager at Rangers, provided a scathing assessment of the team's performance, labelling them "ragged." This description aptly captures the disarray evident in their play. The defeat against Hearts marked a low point, as Rangers conceded two goals while failing to find the back of the net themselves—a pattern that has become all too familiar this season.

Defensive Weaknesses

One of the critical issues highlighted by McCann is the team's defensive frailties. Rangers have consistently struggled with their positioning, leading to exposed full-backs and inviting counter-attacks from opponents. The average positions of the players during their home defeat illustrated significant gaps in their defensive line, particularly when faced with attacking threats from teams like Hearts.

High Defensive Line Concerns

The decision to maintain a high defensive line has left Rangers vulnerable, often allowing opposing teams ample space to exploit. In the game against Hearts, the team's centre-backs were caught out of position, leading to dangerous situations. The defensive structure, or lack thereof, is a pressing concern that Martin must address if he hopes to turn the season around.

Attacking Dilemmas

Equally concerning is Rangers' inability to score from open play. The team has managed just three league goals, all of which came from set pieces, with no shots on target in their last encounter against Celtic. This lack of creativity in the attacking third has left fans frustrated, as the team's performance fails to meet the club's high standards.

Squad Challenges

Another factor complicating the situation is the integration of new players into the squad. With Martin's high-risk, possession-based approach, there are evident growing pains as players adjust to his tactics. Captain James Tavernier expressed feelings of shame regarding their performances, indicating that the pressure is weighing heavily on the squad. Martin himself acknowledged that there is "a lot of anxiety" among his players, which could be impacting their confidence on the pitch.

Nicolas Raskin Situation

The ongoing saga surrounding Nicolas Raskin, who has been left out of the squad despite returning from international duty, has sparked debate. His creativity and ability to influence games are sorely missed, and many believe that his presence could elevate the team's performance. Former Rangers forward Rory Loy suggested that resolving this situation is crucial for the club moving forward.

Future Outlook for the Club

As the season progresses, the pressure on Russell Martin is likely to intensify. With a critical League Cup quarter-final against Hibernian approaching, the stakes are high. Following this, a Europa League fixture against Genk could further define the trajectory of Martin's tenure at the club. Fans are left wondering if improvement is on the horizon or if the club is heading for a prolonged period of struggle.

What Lies Ahead?

By the time Rangers return to league action against Livingston, they could potentially find themselves at the bottom of the table. This scenario, while seemingly unfathomable for a club of Rangers' stature, is a real possibility if other teams manage to secure victories in the interim. The upcoming matches will shape not only the club's season but also the future of its management.

Conclusion: A Call for Change?

In the realm of football, change is often necessary to regain momentum. For Rangers, now may be the time to reassess their strategy and approach. The club's storied history demands excellence, and the current situation is far from acceptable for both fans and stakeholders. As they face critical matches in the coming weeks, the question remains: can Russell Martin turn this ship around, or is a more significant overhaul required?

FAQs

Why are Rangers struggling this season?

Rangers are struggling due to a combination of poor performances, a lack of goals from open play, and defensive weaknesses. The team's new head coach is also facing challenges in integrating new players and implementing his high-risk strategies.

What is the current position of Rangers in the league?

As of now, Rangers find themselves in 10th position in the Scottish Premiership, having not secured a win in their first five matches of the season.

Who is Nicolas Raskin, and why is he important to Rangers?

Nicolas Raskin is a talented midfielder known for his creativity and ability to create chances. His absence from the squad has raised concerns among fans and analysts, as his influence could significantly enhance the team's attacking play.

What are the upcoming fixtures for Rangers?

Rangers are set to face Hibernian in the League Cup quarter-finals and then compete against Genk in the Europa League before returning to league action against Livingston.

Are there any changes expected in the management of Rangers?

While Russell Martin currently has the backing of the board, the pressure is on him to deliver results. If performances do not improve, speculation about potential changes in management could arise.