2 days ago
Irked Russell Martin's six word message to Rangers team made something crystal clear before game even started
The new Ibrox boss was left unimpressed with a number of players after handing out chances to stake claim
Russell Martin finished the game watching from the stands.
And he warned his sloppy fringe men they'd better buck up their ideas if they want to avoid spending the rest of the season there too.
The new Ibrox boss was unimpressed with a number of players he handed a big chance to stake their claim in the 2-2 friendly draw with Middlesbrough - revealing he spotted signs they weren't up for the fight in the WARM-UP.
After throwing on the cavalry with half an hour remaining to salvage a draw, Martin admitted the lack of depth to his squad was obvious.
Goals from Danilo and Findlay Curtis rescued a draw after Neto Borges and Dael Fry had Boro two ahead.
Martin was then sent off at the interval for protesting over the non-award of a penalty too hard.
But having made 11 changes to the side that started Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League qualifying first leg victory over Panathinaikos, it was the application of some of his second string which had him seeing red at full time.
Oscar Cortes and Josh Gentles were singled out for praise.
But Martin said: 'A lot of the moments that were uncomfortable for us were down to a lack of intensity on our part.
'And I said to the guys - I didn't like the warm up.
"There's a bit of disappointment in a few people, maybe not in the team and that stuff.
"But if you're disappointed, and especially playing for this football club, you have to show it in being more aggressive, more intense, not being downbeat and sort of just being out there and letting the game pass you by a little bit.
'So they know that now. That can't happen. It can't be a problem for us.
'Whenever you step on the pitch for this club and this team, you have to be all in.
'So that was a good lesson for a couple. And the rest I'm really pleased with, and we're better than we were before the game for sure.
'I think we're learning about people all the time. And every situation is different. Every person as a player, but as a person, is different.
'There was just a little bit too much in the first half that I didn't really like and there were some good moments in the first half.
'But I think the thing to take is, when you're not playing or not in the starting 11 right now then we're at the start of a very, very long season and we are going to need everyone. I've told them that.
'But you need to be a bit more like Oscar, run really hard.
'Maybe his end product wasn't quite there today because he hasn't played too much, but effort, endeavour, willingness to run, to help your mate, fantastic. Josh Gentles the same.
'That's where you need to be when you if you want to be part of this in the long term.'
Martin fired the warning to his players two days before the fly out to Greece for Wednesday's crucial qualifier.
A 2-0 first leg win at Ibrox has given Rangers a cushion ahead of what's expected to be an intense evening in Athens Olympic Stadium.
And he reckons the sluggish start was a timely reminder of the levels and intensity that will be required if they are to see off Panathinaikos and keep their £40m Champions League dream alive.
He said: 'If we were in a difficult situation, it's down to us, a lack of intensity, not being in the right position quickly enough. So I think that's the lesson.
'If you're not going to play with enough intensity or enough speed or enough aggression, then you will be put into difficult situations way more than you are if you want to bring all of those to the party.
'So, especially early on in the game when a team has energy and they're fresh and they have a really good organized press and they have a good coach.
'We knew it'd be difficult for the guys. I don't think we expected anything less. But be difficult on our terms.
'If we're running, being aggressive, playing with intensity, and it's still difficult, then we can look at it and try and fix it. But don't be difficult on someone else's terms.'
Curtis followed up his wonderstrike that opened the scoring against the Greeks on Tuesday night with another Ibrox strike to seal the draw with 11 minutes remaining.
This time it was all about awareness as he pounced to bury the loose ball after Nico Raskin's header was saved.
And Martin said: 'He showed good instinct today. He got better on Tuesday as the game went on and he showed some good stuff today, some good timing, some good bits.
'So, just a really good learner. And I thought Nico was brilliant next to him today as well.
'The best Nico's played since we've been here, so I'm really pleased with Nico's contribution because I think having Max Aarons and Nico on your side of the pitch will definitely help Findlay.
'And he just needs to keep listening, keep learning. Good instinct today, good character, good attitude. As long as he keeps doing that, he'll be fine.'
