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Martin on pressure, Panathinaikos & Aasgaard fitness

Martin on pressure, Panathinaikos & Aasgaard fitness

BBC News21-07-2025
Head coach Russell Martin had been talking to the media before the first leg of Rangers' Champions League second round qualifying tie with Panathinaikos.Here are some of the key things he said:Martin is looking forward to a night of "learning" at Ibrox as he sees his side in a competitive match for the first time.He stressed it's not a season-defining game and Rangers "will be defined by what we do between now and May". He did concede, though, that "it's a big game" and "a huge part in setting the tone" for the season.The head coach is expecting a "tough challenge" from the Greek side. "They have some real strengths, but so do we."In looking for a positive result, Martin says the fans "have to leave feeling positive about their team, their new look and the way it is going to start to shape up".The head coach confirmed Dessers, Igamane and Gassama are not fit enough to play 90 minutes, but will feature. Aasgaard is not fit.
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