Rangers

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Former Scotland international Michael Stewart thinks Rangers could be nearing "implosion" if Russell Martin's side don't show signs of "marked improvement" following their draw with Dundee on Saturday.

Rangers were booed off the Ibrox pitch after the 1-1 draw to leave Martin with two points from his first two Premiership games.

The side had shown signs of promise against Viktoria Plzen last week but have often been unable to replicate their European displays in domestic fixtures.

Speaking to BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Stewart said Rangers' struggle was down to Steven Pressley's side sitting in as opposed to the openness of Plzen.

"Because Plzen weren't sitting in trying to hold on to a result," Stewart pinpointed as the reason for the poor performance.

"Dundee were defensive, resilient and didn't look to open up their low block. They had three centre-halves who were just lapping up the balls into the box.

"As Russell Martin said last week, Rangers lacked intensity and pace in their play, which he isn't wrong about, but it makes you question what the message was before the game.

Stewart also believes poor recruitment and a lack of leadership within the squad has been the consistent factor in their substandard domestic performances.

He added: "I think it's about big characters and big leaders, which I just don't see in the Rangers team.

"I spoke last week about how they have been building on shifting sands since they went into administration. Maybe other than two years with [Steven] Gerrard but after the first wave of selling on players, there was nothing behind it.

"They didn't recruit well and changed managers constantly. It just seems like rinse and repeat, all these managers come in and say the right things but the actions belittle those words.

"If you're looking for intensity, desire and grit then you have to sign the appropriate players and it doesn't look like they've done that.

"Where are the leaders in this Rangers team?

"The concern at Ibrox is the fans' patience is virtually nil, and if they don't see marked improvement and quickly, there could be an implosion".

Nobel Mendy is pushing for a transfer to Rangers, with Real Betis now in exclusive talks with the Glasgow club to complete an agreement for the 20-year-old centre-half. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Rangers are set to clinch a £3.45m deal for Nobel Mendy after the Real Betis defender opted for a move to Scotland instead of La Liga rivals Rayo Vallecano. (Daily Record), external

Barry Ferguson and his coaching staff were looking to have a Scottish player-focused transfer window if they had landed the Rangers job permanently, according to former assistant Billy Dodds. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Cyriel Dessers believes Rangers have to take more risks as the Ibrox side settle for their second successive draw in the Premiership.

James Tarvenier's late penalty meant Russell Martin's men followed up their opening weekend tie with another 1-1 draw, this time with Dundee.

Dessers had the ball in the net in the seventh minute of added time only to be ruled offside, which left Rangers with two points from six and having not won either of their opening two league games for the first time since 1989.

"At this club, you need to win games and to win games, you need to score goals," said the Nigerian striker.

"Sometimes it takes a risky pass to open it up, or maybe even to scare the opponent so next time they don't step through on a midfielder and they stay in position and maybe then you open up the space a little bit more there.

"It's a little bit of belief, confidence.

"There's no time at this club. Not a lot of patience, which everybody knows when they play here and that's okay, that's fine, we're fine with that.

"But somewhere inside yourself, you need to find that confidence and the courage to go out there and do that, make the pass, make the dribble, try the shot, and just to create something for the team.

"I think we showed it at certain moments and then people talk about the European games or the Old Firm games last season. But like I said, it's the consistency.

"Can you do it on a Tuesday and do it again on Saturday and do it again on Tuesday? For me, that's the thing that's the next step for us."

Highlights of Rangers 1-1 Dundee in the Scottish Premiership

We asked for your views on Rangers 1-1 draw with Dundee.

Here is what you said:

Sally: Rangers simply do not have the quality, imagination and skill to break down packed defences. The lack of imagination at free-kicks and corners is only too evident.

Craig: Sadly Rangers still lack killer forwards. The stats tell it all, plenty of passing and possession but can't score.

Josh: The Old Firm will still be first and second in the league come the end of the season. Neither will run away with anything, though, they simply aren't good enough.

Martin: Rangers are perhaps starting to realise that their team is not as good as they were making them out to be. A lot of weaknesses are evident and will need sorting before the gap gets even wider. Celtic could arrive at Ibrox seven points clear which would put an enormous amount of pressure on this Rangers team.

John: Let's agree, Martin was never the man for this seat. If Panathinaikos had a decent finisher we would be played four, won nil. I don't know if he was the cheapest option as manager. If he was, it is false economy. Four games in and the punters are not going to turn up to watch this perpetual drivel.

William: Shocking performance from Rangers, unable to breakdown their defence, no passion or commitment and poor skill levels. What is the manager doing with these players? If they are unable or unwilling to put in the expected level of performance they should be shown the door.

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Rangers manager Russell Martin told BBC Scotland: "I'm disappointed we didn't win the game, disappointed that we conceded a really poor goal.

"There was just general lethargy and no speed in the first half.

"There wasn't enough intent to disrupt them until we went down to 10 men. The mentality was much better in terms of aggression and speed with and without the ball, but it shouldn't take that.

"I'm pleased with the response of the team when we went down to 10 men and we could've won the game in the end but the mentality has to come from the very first kick of the match.

"In hindsight I should've made some changes to inject that energy in the team but I explained my decision before the game and maybe I could've changed that now the game is finished.

"We're learning about the group all the time, so that's a lesson learnt today.

"We have to make sure that aggression is there all the time.

"The fans have lacked the success they want for quite some time so I understand the frustration. I didn't get too high on Tuesday so we're not going to get too low today.

"We're going to give the fans something to cheer about and we will get better and better. We didn't lose today and we will improve, it'll just take some time.

"Nico Raskin was great when he game on, he tackled more than the whole team.

"We need at attack everything, it took us too long to attack the game tonight."

Rangers head coach Russell Martin is still waiting for a Scottish Premiership victory and needed a late penalty from club captain James Tavernier to deny Dundee their first win at Ibrox in 24 years.

Read the full match report here.

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Rangers defender Max Aarons has shrugged off a knock while Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane are working their way back to fitness.

Mikey Moore is still waiting for international clearance on his loan move from Tottenham.

Striker Joe Westley could make his Dundee debut but Yan Dhanda will have to wait following his loan move from Hearts as he is suspended.

Steven Pressley will make a late call on Simon Murray (knee) while Charlie Reilly (broken collarbone) and Cesar Garza (concussion) miss out.

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"When I heard Rangers were interested, I didn't need that much convincing. I had already pretty much made up my mind."

If Oliver Antman's debut on Tuesday night didn't whet the appetite for Rangers fans, then the attacker's drive to be a success at the club certainly will.

Antman, who signed on Monday from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, started the 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen and assisted Djeidi Gassama on an impressive debut as he slotted in seamlessly.

Speaking before Saturday's Premiership game with Dundee, the Finland international said: "Yeah, pretty crazy, to be honest. I haven't really had time to think about everything.

"Yesterday I had a day off, I could think a little bit about what's happened. But there was stuff to do with apartments and stuff like that, but it's been a crazy few days.

"And pretty much straight away when I came, I had a game to play. So I'm happy that it went well.

"To straight away play in a Champions League qualifier was a big thing for me. I've never played there before, it is a big part of why I'm here.

"I want to create a lot of chances, make a lot of crosses, take defenders on and just create a lot.

"That's what I did in Holland, and that's what I want to do here, more of that."

The 23-year-old is well aware of the standards expected at the Ibrox club, and hopes playing in an environment that demands consistent success will make him a better player.

"I think that will also help me a lot mentally because I have not been in a club where you actually need to win every single game," he added.

"I think it will improve me a lot mentally, and yeah, it's going to be a nice challenge, and I'm looking forward to it."

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Russell Martin says Rangers are yet to receive any bids for Hamza Igamane as the striker strives for full fitness.

The Morocco forward picked up an injury after coming off the bench in the 2-0 home win over Panathinaikos last month - his sole appearance so far under Martin - and has missed time in training due to visa complications.

The 22-year-old was reportedly a target for Lille this summer, but Martin is keen to utilise the dynamic attacker.

"Hamza missed two weeks because of the visa thing [problem] so was behind the group. We've tried to speed up the process so that he's ready to train," said the Rangers boss.

"But he played his first minutes and picked up an injury because the intensity was different. So now we have to get him really ready to perform and not risk being injured again.

"In terms of the speculation, we've not had any bids for Hamza and he's a really good lad.

"He's got on with it and is working hard with his English and everything else. He just needs to get fully fit."

Rangers signed attacker Thelo Aasgaard over a month ago now but the 23-year-old is yet to feature because of injury.

Neither Aasgaard nor Igaamane will be available for the Premiership fixture with Dundee this weekend, nor the second second leg of the Champions League third-round qualifier away to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.

"They've both made good steps in the last few days," Martin said.

"They're working hard with the rehab guys, but not ready to be involved with the squad."

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Rangers head coach Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before the Premiership game with Dundee on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Martin wants his players' attitude to continue to improve with "a bit more learning and a bit more development".

• Tottenhman loanee Mikey Moore, 17, is still unable to play as there are "a lot of protocols" to go through as he is under 18 and deemed a minor by Fifa. Martin is hopeful he can be ready for Tuesday and Martin says the issue will be solved soon as Moore's birthday is next week.

• Martin's starting line-up for the home game against Viktoria Plzen was leaked on social media on Tuesday afternoon, but he doesn't think anyone inside the club would do it "to intentionally hurt" them.

• "It's not ideal, it is what it is, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it" was his message to the players on the leak, adding that it is part of the modern game now.

• The club are "not finished yet" in the transfer market with Martin saying they will look to add to the squad in "the next few weeks".

• After demanding an improvement from his side, Martin says it was good for them to "feel" a positive outcome on Tuesday against Plzen and then have a solid showing, as it gave them a chance to analyse where they can still improve.

• The head coach says the squad's challenge now is "to do it again tomorrow".

• Seeing "character before talent" is of great importance to Martin, who says talent will only get players so far: "You need a level of talent to reach this building, but then it's all about the character you are going to add to the group."

• On this weekend's opponents: "I like a lot of the stuff Dundee are trying to do. They played well against Hibs and were unfortunate."

• Oliver Antman impressed on his debut, with Martin now hoping to see consistency in the Finland winger's game: "He has set a standard early on."

• Hamze Igamane is still returning to fitness after picking up a "small" injury in his first game, with Martin adding the club are "building him back up to avoid any injuries. He is a great lad and just needs to get fully fit." Thelo Aasgaard is also "not quite ready".

• Rangers are unbeaten in their past 17 meetings with Dundee in all competitions (W14 D3) since a 2-1 league defeat in November 2017 under Graeme Murty.

• Dundee have lost each of their past 19 away games at Rangers in all competitions, a run that began in 2001. Only against five sides have Rangers ever won 20+ consecutive home matches in their history, most recently an ongoing run of 21 against Dunfermline from 1999 to 2021.

• Rangers drew 1-1 with Motherwell on matchday one but haven't failed to win both of their opening two matches of a Scottish Premiership campaign since 1989-90 under Graeme Souness (lost to St Mirren and Hibernian).

• In their opening-day defeat to Hibs, Dundee managed just two shots, their fewest in a Scottish Premiership home game since October 2018 vs Celtic (2). The Dark Blues did, however, win three of their final five away league games last term (L2), as many as across their 17 matches prior.

• Joe Rothwell has recorded three assists across his past eight league appearances, with each assist coming from a set-piece (2 for Leeds, 1 for Rangers) – the midfelder created the joint most chances (3) of any Rangers player against Motherwell, including his assist via a corner for James Tavernier.

Real Betis centre-half Nobel Mendy has to make a decision between Rayo Vallecano and Rangers after both clubs agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old, who is expected to make a quick decision. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Former interim Rangers manager Barry Ferguson has warned Russell Martin about a "Rangers mole" leaking the team's starting line-ups. (Daily Record), external

New England Revolution have submitted an offer to Maccabi Tel Aviv for 21-year-old forward Dor Turgeman, who is also being considered by multiple European clubs, including Rangers. (Luca Bendoni on X), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish Gossip

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Rangers legend Graeme Souness has backed Russell Martin's scathing reaction to the draw with Motherwell on the opening day of the Premiership season and says it bears similarities to Jock Stein's managerial methods with Scotland.

After strongly criticising some players' attitudes following the late concession at Fir Park, Martin dropped captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin for the midweek 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in Champions League qualifying.

"I think it would be wrong to judge him," said Souness.

"I know he was upset by the performance at the weekend and he's put a marker down very quickly that this is not acceptable, and that's how it should be.

"When you work for a giant like Glasgow Rangers, every team you're playing is a cup final. Rangers do not play easy games, and I think that's what he was trying to say."

Martin spoke of players having to "drop their ego" after the Fir Park slip-up and subsequently used Tavernier and Raskin as second-half substitutes in the win over Plzen.

Souness recalls being on the end of criticism when Stein similarly targeted senior players during his Scotland tenure.

"I liken it to when I was captain of Scotland and I worked under Jock Stein," he said.

"Jock Stein would always pick out Kenny [Dalglish] and I. He left the younger guys alone and sort of made the point of, if I can get after them, I don't need to speak to the younger ones, that message has already got to them.

"So I think there's nothing wrong with that. He's said this my level and nothing other than my level is acceptable. I think that's a good thing."

Souness is confident Rangers' new American ownership group will transform the fortunes of the club, pointing to their experience with Leeds United as a positive.

"I think this is all about the bigger picture for the new owners," he added

"I think the noises and their actions are suggesting they know what they're doing.

"I think the fact of this is not the first rodeo in terms of being involved in soccer, it's not a case of will they get it right, it's a case of when they get it right."

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We asked for your views on whether or not Rangers should let Cyriel Dessers go this summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Scott: Dessers has the mentality to be a Rangers striker, even if he does miss some absolute sitters. He reminds me a little bit of Andy Cole at Manchester United (showing my age) – he works hard for the team and gets a lot of stick for it in the bargain, but he is so resilient. The other strikers are just here for the ride. When the going gets tough, time and again we've seen them go missing.

Colin: Dessers is bang average if you wish to be kind. Not a top quality striker and better needed if Rangers are to go forwards this season.

Mike: Dessers should stay. His movement and awareness is second to none in the Rangers squad. Wish I could say the same about Mohamed Diomande. Keeps giving the ball away in the wrong places and is not a patch on Nicolas Raskin. Lastly why did Russell Martin sign Max Aarons? He is absolutely dreadful.

Ian: We have got to keep Dessers because he knows how to score goals and leads the line brilliantly, and we must keep Hamza Igamane as well.

Steve: Dessers needs to stay, a number nine with that many goals has got to stay. Who are they going to bring in at this late stage who will score more? Enough said. Love him or hate him, he is good enough for Rangers.

Bill: Dessers certainly showed himself to be a good target player for linking play, neither Igamane or Danilo can do this. However, Rangers need to get back up and stop messing around. Otherwise we are again going to fall short.

Rangers have held talks with Real Betis centre-half Nobel Mendy and are vying with Rayo Vallecano to sign the 20-year-old who had a £3.5m transfer to PSV Eindhoven fall through and has also received interest from Club Brugge. (El Desmarque), external

While Rangers head coach Russell Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are keen on Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy, there is a long way to go before a deal is reached. (Daily Record), external

Rangers have joined the race for 23-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, who spent last season on loan to Real Valladolid, with Sevilla also in the mix. (Dominik Schneider on X), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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