Russell Martin had mixed feelings as he reflected on Tuesday evening’s 1-2 defeat at the hands of Viktoria Plzen – a result which nevertheless sees Rangers progress on a 4-2 aggregate score to the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round.
“I’m disappointed that we lost – and also disappointed at how many chances we gave up. So much came from being too loose with the ball against a team that had nothing to lose. It’sfrustrating.
“The lack of care on the ball was too much – but then we improved. We scored a goal after the break but then the level of intensity dropped as if it was job done, we can relax.
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“We handled the last ten minutes really well – Danilo, Kieran & Nedim all took the ball – that was fantastic. That’s how you see a game out.”
The ‘Gers Manager’s assessment was at times frank.
“We would struggle against anyone if we don’t show enough care and quality on the ball.
“In the first game we were really good and at times tonight we were really good. The gap between us being really good and not too good is too big at the moment.
“I really believe these players can form a really good team. I need to be relentless with them.”
Next up for Rangers is the challenge of old friends Club Brugge, who eliminated Salzburg.
“Brugge are a good team – it’ll be a tough game. You would expect the level of competition to be very good at this stage.”
By Robert McElroy