Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has revealed how his players “feel” after their Champions League first-leg loss to Club Brugge.
Rangers lose 3-1 to Club Brugge in Champions League qualifier first leg
The Gers’ woeful first-half display has left them with it all to do in the second leg to book their spot in the Champions League group stage.
In a nightmare first 20 minutes, goals from Romeo Vermant – following some calamitous defending by Gers defender Nasser Djiga – Jorne Spileers and Brandon Mechele had the visitors 3-0 up and Ibrox in an uproar.
Brazilian striker Danilo pulled a goal back four minutes after the break and the home side rallied, but the Belgian outfit stood firm and boos greeted the players at the end.
The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday 27th August, but before then, Rangers travel to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership as they look for their first league victory.
Martin shares how Rangers players “feel” after Club Brugge loss
Despite the 3-1 defeat, Martin hailed his Rangers side’s “amazing resilience” and said that his squad still feel the tie “is still open”.
“We conceded a crazy goal and didn’t respond to it anywhere well enough. We then conceded a goal from a corner which is really frustrating.
“And then it becomes so difficult and then after that, we make decisions based on desperation and anxiety, jump when we shouldn’t, get played around and so the game plan went out the window at that point.
“And we needed a moment to calm down and refocus but it was difficult and we didn’t respond well as a club to that because we were hurt early in the game.
“The lads showed amazing resilience in the second half, the fans were amazing the second half, considering the disappointment of the first half. And the tie is still open and the players feel that, they really feel that.
“I am proud of them and the first half was as hard as it will ever be and how they got through that, some of the guys who have had a tough start here, the way they played tonight, they will grow from that and we will as a group.
“So the tie is still game on so I am excited about that opportunity. My message to supporters is the team needs them. Whatever happens, we need them. We have to give them enough to believe in their team. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions but we need everyone to grow together if we want to be successful.”