Rangers Prepare for Crucial Champions League Play-Off Against Club Brugge

Champions League Play-Off: Club Brugge vs Rangers

Venue: Jans Breydel Stadion, Bruges Date: Wednesday, 27 August Time: 20:00 BST

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra and Sounds, follow live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app.

Rangers manager Russell Martin has expressed confidence ahead of their crucial Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge, stating, "everyone is really calm" and the team is "moving forward." The Scots face a challenging situation, trailing 3-1 on aggregate after a difficult first leg and struggling to find form in the Scottish Premiership, where they have recorded three draws in Martin's initial three matches in charge.

Despite criticism following a disappointing performance at Ibrox last week, Martin remains focused. "I only have a problem if the owners start turning to me or Kevin [Thelwell, sporting director], and at the minute everyone is really calm," he noted, addressing the pressure surrounding the team's slow start. "Everyone understands that we want to win trophies this season, and we’re only three league games in, so nothing is lost. We are still in every competition we are vying for, and we will have a chance in each one. If I allow external noise to affect me personally, it will be a significant issue for all of us."

Currently, Rangers find themselves six points behind league leaders Celtic, and both results and performances have left fans dissatisfied. However, Martin found some optimism in the recent loss against Club Brugge, despite his team conceding three goals within the first 20 minutes. "This game is very much alive and the tie is still within our reach," he emphasized. "The players ran harder in that match than they have for nearly two years. They are willing to put in the effort for each other and for us as a coaching staff. We are experiencing some inconsistency in selection and are working to find a rhythm, but I believe things will stabilize soon. The commitment they have shown indicates to me that we will be okay and will continue to progress."

Martin also acknowledged the understanding of the fans he has encountered, despite the strong reactions following the 1-1 draw against St Mirren on Sunday. "Every fan I’ve met has been supportive and recognizes that the club needs to achieve something now," he remarked. "The emotional highs and lows have influenced decision-making at the club, which I believe has not been beneficial. This is my perspective, and I think it resonates with most of the people within the club. I’m genuinely enjoying the experience, despite the frustrations we all feel—supporters, coaches, staff, and players alike. We will continue to work hard and give our all, as that is all we can do."

Team News

Striker Hamza Igamane did not train or travel with Rangers on Tuesday, indicating that his departure from Ibrox is imminent. However, Martin confirmed that Cyriel Dessers is "good to go" after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the last two matches. Recent departures include left-backs Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz, while Oliver Antman and Jayden Meghoma were substituted at halftime against St Mirren.

What They Said

Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen: "I expect a team that has nothing to lose. They will likely go all in, trying to score quickly to get back in the game. We need to be prepared for that and ensure our players are ready from the first whistle. We will play our game as we did in the first leg, aiming to score early. The current results are not in our favor, but we will focus on our strategy."

Rangers Prepare for Crucial Champions League Play-Off Against Club Brugge

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