Rangers fans have every right to be torn over the possibility of playing in the Champions League. It would be nice to have the publicity and money that come with taking on Europe’s elite. But there must also be an understanding that it could be a humiliating event.
Rangers finished the group stage with zero points and a minus-20 goal differential, marking their final appearance in the actual competition. That team from the 2022–2023 season was superior to the completely unconvincing 2025 class.
At Ibrox, Martin is engaged in a difficult but fascinating struggle to win people over, despite his critics portraying him as a romantic dreamer. The fact that a sizable portion of the fan base chose Davide Ancelotti, who is well-known by name but has no managerial experience, was more of a Rangers thing. Martin is viewed with cynicism, and with good reason much of his speech resembles Michael Beale’s. Beale’s inability to perform at Ibrox was immediately apparent.
As evidence that nothing in Glasgow happens in a vacuum, Celtic’s absence of fresh additions as they get ready for a playoff matchup with Kairat has caused friction. Even though it’s a much more sensible competitive environment, there will undoubtedly be a violent reaction if one or both of the Old Firm slide into the Europa League. Rangers has a more difficult match, but Celtic has to manage the challenging logistics of travelling to Kazakhstan. Additionally, Celtic’s current state of weakness seems inconsistent with their impressive run to the Champions League knockout stage last season.
Martin only needs to look at Brugge’s performance at Celtic Park the previous season to see how dangerous Rangers will be. They have a solid start to the season and are a strong, slick team. Rangers, on the other hand, are prone to spectacular defensive disasters and lack physicality.
Without their American owners, who have been vague about their objectives, having to view Martin as a temporary solution, Rangers have had enough managerial turnover in recent years. Given that he has frequently made harsh public criticisms of his players, the 39-year-old must be aware of this.
According to logic, Martin must be given a reasonable amount of time before undergoing a thorough evaluation. No queue of top coaches was waiting to take Clement’s place. Although Martin’s work before to Southampton’s Premier League collapse was passable, there has already been reason for concern.
With players mostly coming from the English market, the signing policy appears uncannily familiar. This path has failed in the past. Nothing appears to be different or revolutionary. Martin’s reference to a five-game winning streak was mocked because of the lacklustre performances at Fir Park and during Dundee’s visit to Ibrox.
Additionally, there was conflicting wording regarding the possible postponement of Sunday’s league trip to St. Mirren, which is permitted by domestic regulations but made difficult by the prospect of trailing Celtic by 10 points at Ibrox on August 31. Rangers retracted their request, giving them the appearance of being as reactive as has been common in recent years.
Rangers have a practice of saving their best for competition in Europe. It would be foolish to believe that Brugge will advance because of their early difficulties. It goes without saying, though, that Martin would gain a great deal from a two-leg triumph. They have already reached the tipping point with a browbeaten and merciless core of supporters.
