Rangers failed to win on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League for the third year running, drawing with Motherwell on Saturday; the Gers were booed by the crowd who had turned up for the game towards the end; Martin suggested after the game that some of his players needed to “reduce their egos”.
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Rangers manager Russell Martin does not regret his words after the draw with Motherwell.
Russell Martin insists his criticism of Rangers players was “not a personal attack” but stresses he is not at the club to “play games”.
Rangers were booed on Saturday after Motherwell held their game 1-1 late on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League season.
Martin then said some of his players needed to “reduce their egos” and that the club needed to “figure out who really wants to give their all”.
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The most memorable moments from Motherwell v Rangers in the Scottish Premier League at Fir Park
Ahead of the first home match of the third qualifying round of the Champions League against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday, Martin did not change his assessment of the team's performance.
“I will always be honest with the players and the fans,” he said. “I am not here to engage in politics or play games or anything like that. My job requires certain actions, and when we do not achieve that, there is no point in hiding behind other people's things.”
“The main problem on Saturday was not knowledge or ability, but attitude. I was not emotional that day, I told the players exactly that. The reaction was good.”
“It's the same thing I've been talking about since day one: fighting, wanting to run, supporting each other. Playing for this club is not easy; it's not for everyone, it takes effort. You have to be a very resilient and strong person.
“The instinct of self-preservation that I spoke about is present in all football. In difficult moments it is really difficult, you start to protect yourself, but it does not help. I understand the players when it gets difficult, but let's always behave badly, and it will be difficult to play against such players.”
“We weren't that difficult to play on Saturday, so it came down to that. There was no point in distorting the situation; the players know what to expect. I've been completely honest with them and I've been completely honest with everyone else, and people can take it any way they want.”
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Martin has said some Rangers players “need to get their egos in check” as he harshly criticises their 1-1 draw with Motherwell.
Asked about players' egos, Martin added: “It all depends on how you view ego. When I say that, I mean self-preservation. And I don't mean that in a negative way. Of course, to play at this football club, you need a bit of ego and courage.”
“To succeed here, Vlad
Sourse: skysports.com
