Russell Martin obliterated in Belgian media as Rangers boss taken to task over 'incomprehensible' management

Russell Martin obliterated in Belgian media as Rangers boss taken to task over 'incomprehensible' management

The Light Blues have it all to do next week if they want to reach the Champions League proper

Russell Martin (Image: SNS Group)

Russell Martin has came under fire for making 'incomprehensible choices' in Rangers' 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge that has left their Champions League play-off hopes in tatters.

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Gers make the trip to Belgium next week needing to score at least two goals to keep their dream of mixing it with Europe's elite alive after shipping three goals in the first 20 minutes at Ibrox, with Danilo bagging a consolation strike in the second half.

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It's been a tough start for new boss Martin, who is yet to taste victory in the Premiership having seen his side draw both of their opening league games against Motherwell and Dundee.

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And ex Anderlecht, Genk and Gent manager turned TV pundit Hans Vanhaezebrouck has slammed Martin's team selection in the heavy loss at Ibrox after leaving captain James Tavernier on the bench.

He said: "Rangers manager Russell Martin made many strange choices for me.

"He put Jayden Meghoma straight in at left back after just two days at the club and then moved Max Aarons to right back, even though James Tavernier is playing better.

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"And I didn't understand their midfield at all. Nicolas Raskin was played too deep and Joe Rothwell too high. That doesn't work. And without the injured Cyriel Dessers, Rangers were much weaker up front.

Rangers' Joe Rothwell looks dejected

"Rangers defended set pieces with a mixture of man-marking and zonal marking and I knew there was something there for Club Brugge. They executed their plan superbly.

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"But it's only 3-1 and it's football, so anything could happen in the second leg.

"Look at Club Brugge's home game against RB Salzburg - they missed a truckload of chances and were still 2-0 down at half time.

"The tie is still at half time. I would say Club Brugge have a 90 per cent chance of progressing, but would point out that Rangers had a lot of chances too so it's not a formality."

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