Persistent Challenges: Martin’s Struggle with Rangers’ Recurring Issues

rangers Stumble at Home in Frustrating Draw with Dundee

August 26, 2023

Glasgow Rangers were held to a disappointing draw against Dundee at Ibrox on Saturday, a result that will undoubtedly fuel growing anxieties among the club’s supporters. The stalemate came despite Rangers dominating possession and creating a meaningful number of chances.

Dundee, under the leadership of former Rangers player Steven Pressley, arrived at Ibrox under pressure following a arduous start to the season. Historically, the fixture has heavily favored the glasgow side, with Dundee winless in their previous 17 encounters against Rangers and having not secured a victory at Ibrox in 19 matches.

Rangers manager Michael Martin emphasized the need for patience as he attempts to overhaul the club’s culture.His team attempted a league-leading 709 passes and 20 goal attempts,with center-back John Souttar completing a remarkable 131 passes – the most by any player across the opening two weekends of the Premiership season. Though, a penalty was ultimately required to salvage a point.

This marks the first time since 1989 that Rangers have failed to secure a win in their first two league matches.The draw has sparked frustration among the Ibrox faithful, a sentiment Martin acknowledges.

“I understand the frustration of the fans,” Martin stated. “They haven’t seen the level of success they desire for some time. We won’t dwell on this setback, just as we didn’t get carried away with the previous result.”

Martin is spearheading a significant shift at the club, encompassing changes in ownership, coaching staff, playing personnel, and crucially, standards within the training ground. “Something needed to change at this club,” he asserted. “It’s not a quick fix. We’re focused on fundamentally changing the culture and the daily surroundings. Good process and good people will deliver results, but it will take time.”

the manager also pointed to a history of managerial changes yielding little lasting improvement. “We’ve changed managers year after year without seeing real change. This is about building something lasting.”

To what extent dose tactical rigidity contribute to Rangers’ first-half struggles,and what adjustments could Philippe Clement implement to address this?

The First-Half Fumbles: A Pattern Emerges

Rangers,under manager Philippe Clement,have consistently demonstrated a frustrating pattern: sluggish starts and a reliance on second-half comebacks. This was painfully evident in their recent 2-2 draw against Club Brugge, a match described as a “game of two halves” (FollowFollow.com). The initial 45 minutes often lack the intensity, tactical discipline, and creative spark expected of a team vying for domestic dominance and european qualification. This isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s a recurring issue that has plagued the squad for multiple seasons, impacting their consistency and overall performance.

Analyzing these slow starts reveals several contributing factors:

Tactical Rigidity: An initial setup that may be too conservative, hindering attacking fluidity.

Lack of Early Pressing: Failing to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play in the opening stages.

Individual Errors: Costly mistakes from key players, frequently enough stemming from a lack of concentration or composure.

Slow Tempo: A hesitant approach to passing and movement, allowing opponents to dictate the pace.

Midfield Control & creative Deficit

A importent component of Rangers’ struggles lies within the midfield. while possessing capable players, the team frequently enough lacks a dominant presence capable of controlling possession, dictating tempo, and unlocking defenses. this is particularly noticeable in the first half, where the midfield can become overrun, leading to a disjointed attacking structure.

The absence of a consistently creative force – a player who can consistently deliver incisive passes or dribble effectively – further exacerbates the problem. Relying heavily on wide play can become predictable, and opponents can effectively shut down these avenues of attack. The Brugge game highlighted this, with limited clear-cut chances created until the second half.This impacts Scottish Premiership standings and Europa League qualification hopes.

defensive Vulnerabilities: A Recurring Theme

Defensive frailties have also been a consistent concern. While Rangers boast solid defenders, lapses in concentration, poor marking, and a susceptibility to quick counter-attacks have repeatedly exposed them. These vulnerabilities are often most pronounced in the opening stages of matches, when the team is still finding its rhythm.

Specific areas of concern include:

1. Set-Piece Defending: Conceding goals from corners and free-kicks remains a persistent issue.
2. Full-Back Positioning: Occasional lapses in positioning, leaving space for opponents to exploit.
3. Interaction Breakdown: A lack of clear communication between defenders, leading to misjudgments and errors.
4. Pressing Triggers: Inconsistent submission of pressing triggers, allowing opponents time and space on the ball.

Second-Half Resurgence: Identifying the Catalyst

The second-half improvements are often stark. what triggers this change? Several factors are likely at play:

Managerial Adjustments: Clement’s tactical tweaks at halftime, frequently enough involving personnel changes or a shift in formation.

Increased Intensity: A noticeable increase in work rate and pressing intensity from the players.

Improved Confidence: A renewed sense of belief and determination after addressing issues during the break.

opposition Fatigue: Opponents potentially tiring, allowing Rangers to exploit spaces more effectively.

The FollowFollow.com report on the Brugge match noted a “vast improvement” in the second 45 minutes, with increased attacking threat and a more resolute defensive display. This pattern is crucial for Rangers FC news and fan analysis.

Tactical Flexibility & Player roles: Areas for Improvement

To address these recurring issues, Rangers need to prioritize tactical flexibility and clearly defined player roles.

Developing Alternative Formations: Having the ability to seamlessly switch between formations can disrupt opponents and provide a tactical advantage.

Empowering Creative Players: Giving license to creative players to express themselves and take risks.

Strengthening Midfield depth: Adding a dynamic midfielder capable of controlling possession and dictating tempo.

Improving Set-Piece Routines: Developing more effective set-piece routines,both offensively and defensively.

Enhanced Player Conditioning: Ensuring players are physically and mentally prepared to maintain a high intensity throughout the entire match.

Case Study: Analyzing Recent Performances

Looking at recent Scottish League Cup and europa League qualifying matches, the pattern remains consistent. Games against celtic, for example, have often seen rangers struggle to impose themselves in the first half, conceding early goals and allowing their rivals to gain control. The ability to consistently start games with the same intensity and tactical clarity as they finish them is paramount to achieving sustained success.

Practical Tips for Rangers Fans & Analysts

Focus on Early Game Analysis: Pay close attention to the first 15-20 minutes of matches to identify early patterns and potential weaknesses.

Track Midfield Battle: Monitor the midfield battle closely to assess Rangers’ ability to control possession and dictate tempo.

Observe Defensive Shape: Analyze the defensive shape and positioning to identify potential vulnerabilities.

* Evaluate tactical Adjustments: Assess the impact