Rangers manager Russell Martin defended his decision to start two major players on the bench as the Scottish giants took a significant step towards the Champions League play-offs with a 3-0 win on the Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
Djeidi Gassama Bagged Brace and Cyriel Dessers sent penalties as Rangers Comfortable Victory in the third round of comfortable qualification in Ibrox–
But the great news before the kick-off was the decision taken by Martin, who exploded his players after the 1-1 pull in Motherwell on Saturday, to remove Captain James Tavernier and Nico from the early 11th.
The decision appeared to pay, however, with Martin’s side producing a dominant show before the second leg in Pilsen next week.
And the new boss Rangers supported his decision, insisting that he would need everyone in the squad to play their part.
“I don’t like the word fell,” Martin told BBC Sport after the match.
“I told men before you don’t leave the team. We will need everyone (in the squad). People will come out, we need freshness.
“You as the leading coach have to do what is best for the team at night. The men who have been going brilliantly and everything you can ask for.
“Here there is a tendency to become a big thing, but it’s nothing. Tonight was the best team.
“I don’t think it will be the same eleven weeks later, a week out.”
If the pre-match news largely concerned players serving the club, the post-game focus is likely to be on Ibrox’s fresh faces.
Gassama, who signed by Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, has now scored in three consecutive European games, while there was also a standout performance by 23-year-old Oliver Antman.
The Finnish boy provided assistance for the second Gassama and a constant threat was seen on the right side of Rangers.
Martin was pleased with the contribution of his two new signing but also praised the entire team for their exhibition.
“I’m really happy with a lot of him (the game),” Martin said.
“I was a bit annoyed with the last 15 minutes as I thought we got a little too sloppy and I had the ball too much in our own half. But it’s my job of asking from men.
“It’s really hard to try to learn a lot of detail and apply it with the right intensity and courage, especially after a tough afternoon on Saturday (against Motherwell). So I’m really proud of the team.”
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2025-08-05 22:07:59