Why has Martin's approach not worked at Rangers?

Rangers' Rocky Road: Why Russell Martin's Style Is Struggling to Take Hold

The atmosphere at Ibrox has been thick with frustration. Another league fixture without a win, another European campaign ending in ignominious fashion. The question on every Rangers supporter's lips: why has Russell Martin's distinct tactical approach not yielded the desired results? It’s a complex puzzle, one that involves a clash of philosophies, player suitability, and perhaps a touch of stubbornness.

The Martin Blueprint: Possession, Patience, and Positional Play

Russell Martin arrived at Rangers with a clear vision, one steeped in the principles of possession-based football and intricate positional play. His Swansea City side were lauded for their patient build-up, their ability to control games through the ball, and their fluid movement. The idea was to transition this attractive, dominant style to the Scottish Premiership, a league often characterized by its physicality and directness.

The core of Martin's philosophy revolves around building from the back, drawing opponents out of shape, and creating numerical advantages in key areas. This requires a specific skillset from his players: excellent technical ability, high footballing intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to the system. The aim is not just to win, but to win *convincingly*, dictating the tempo and suffocating the opposition.

The Uncomfortable Reality: Results Tell a Different Story

However, the stark reality on the pitch has been a far cry from this aspirational blueprint. Without a league win to their name and a humiliating exit from Europe, the results are simply not justifying the methods. What could be the disconnect?

One of the most frequently cited issues is the perceived lack of adaptability. While Martin's commitment to his style is admirable, critics argue that it has become predictable. Opponents in Scotland seem to have found ways to nullify Rangers' intricate passing patterns, often by pressing effectively and denying them the space to operate. The league’s more direct approach can also catch Rangers out. When a long ball is played, the defensive structure, designed for possession, can sometimes be vulnerable to a quick counter-attack.

"We have to be better at adapting," admitted one observer close to the club, speaking on condition of anonymity. "When the opposition sits deep, or when they press high and aggressively, we need to have answers. Sometimes, it feels like we're trying to force a square peg into a round hole."

Player Suitability: Are the Pieces Fitting?

A footballing system is only as good as the players implementing it. While Rangers boast a squad with considerable talent, the question remains: are they the *right* players for Martin's specific demands? Building from the back requires defenders comfortable on the ball, capable of breaking lines with passes. The midfield needs players with exceptional vision and spatial awareness to orchestrate attacks. Upfront, forwards must be intelligent movers, adept at creating space and finishing chances that are often meticulously crafted.

There have been moments, flashes of brilliance even, that showcase the potential of Martin's system. But these have been too few and far between. The consistent inability to break down resolute defenses, or to find the cutting edge in crucial moments, suggests that either the players are still learning the nuances of the system, or perhaps the system itself is not perfectly aligned with the strengths of the current squad.

The pressure on new signings to hit the ground running is immense at a club like Rangers. If they are not naturally suited to a possession-heavy, positional style, it can take time for them to adapt. And in football, time is a luxury often denied.

European Struggles: A Different Ballgame?

The European exits have been particularly stinging. While the Scottish Premiership can have its unique challenges, the continental stage demands a different level of resilience and tactical acumen. The performances against European opposition have exposed vulnerabilities that might be masked to a degree in domestic fixtures.

The inability to cope with the pace and intensity of top European sides, coupled with the tactical rigidities, has been a painful learning curve. Is it possible that Martin's approach, while effective in certain environments, is not robust enough for the varied demands of European football?

Signs of Evolution? Or Stubborn Adherence?

The million-dollar question is whether Russell Martin is showing signs of adapting his approach. In the face of mounting pressure and disappointing results, managers are often forced to evolve. Are we seeing a subtle shift in Rangers' play, a willingness to incorporate more directness or a greater pragmatism when needed?

There have been instances where Rangers have shown more urgency, a willingness to play forward passes quicker. However, the underlying philosophy remains evident. It’s a delicate balancing act: maintaining the core identity that attracted the club to Martin in the first place, while also demonstrating the flexibility required to win consistently.

"You don't want to lose your identity," Martin himself has alluded to in past interviews. "But you also have to be pragmatic. We are working on finding that balance."

The challenge for Martin is to integrate a more pragmatic edge without sacrificing the attacking flair and control that are central to his beliefs. It's a tightrope walk, and one that he is currently navigating with considerable difficulty.

The Verdict: A Work in Progress or a Misfit?

Ultimately, the success of any manager hinges on results. And at present, Russell Martin’s results at Rangers are simply not good enough. The question of whether his style has "not worked" is still, perhaps, premature. It’s a style that requires time, patience, and the right personnel to flourish. However, the lack of immediate impact and the concerning trend of poor results are undeniable.

The coming weeks and months will be crucial. Can Martin and his coaching staff find the key to unlock this Rangers team's potential within his tactical framework? Can they adapt to the unique pressures of Scottish football and the demands of European competition? Or will this experiment prove to be a costly misstep? The jury is out, and the patient at Ibrox are growing increasingly restless. The beautiful game, it seems, can be a brutal mistress when the goals aren't flowing and the wins are absent.