Rangers head coach Russell Martin spoke to the media earlier today ahead of his side’s second UEFA Europa League match, away to Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz tomorrow evening. The Scottish side will be looking to get on the board with points after losing their opening match 1-0 at home to Belgian side Genk.
Following UEFA Champions League qualifying wins over Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen, Martin is hoping to return to European form after four consecutive defeats, including a 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s match, he said: “I'm looking forward to it. I think we're excited about it. Another different challenge, another European night, another chance to have a brilliant night together.
“We are going to try and come to win. I think it's a competition where you have to. I don't think we're going to set up anywhere to try and draw the game or avoid defeat. We’re going to come here and try and turn the game into one that we want to and to win, being really respectful of the opposition who are good and obviously have home advantage.”
Reflecting on the defeat to Genk and what the team needs to improve, Martin added: “Against Genk we didn’t have enough end product to show for it, but we had real good signs of moments early on in the game.
“The players are together, but I think with so much change again and so many new people, you don't have that instantly. But I've really enjoyed that challenge.”
Martin also addressed concerns over the pitch at the Merkur Arena, which has been criticized after images of a patchy surface surfaced following heavy rainfall. He remained unconcerned: “I've just walked on it. I have no real feeling about it, but I think it's better than the one we played on in Greece.”
Rangers head into the match without suspended forward Mohammed Diomande following his red card against Genk last Thursday. Meanwhile, Dujon Sterling, Lyall Cameron, Kieran Dowell, and Rabbi Matondo remain sidelined through injury. Nedim Bajrami and Clinton Nsiala are both unavailable for selection and not included in the European squad.
Midfielder Connor Barron is optimistic about the challenge ahead, reflecting the squad’s focus and belief: “We're buzzing. It'll be a tough test tomorrow, but it's one we're looking forward to and one we're ready to go and get three points on the board.
“Last week in Europe wasn’t good enough, but the manager's message has been to stick together more than ever and continue the good bits we had at the weekend into this game.”
On building momentum after Sunday’s injury time win against Livingston, Barron added: “I think we should have had the game put to bed earlier than we did, but it dragged on and we stayed together and obviously got over the line with the three points, which was good. It's just about continuing that momentum we've got.”
Barron also highlighted the importance of discipline in Europe: “You've got to be wary as a player all the time. You've got to be cautious. Sometimes it happens and you've just got to deal with it.
“Unfortunately, we've been on the wrong end of that twice now, so we just have to stay disciplined and do our jobs on the pitch.”
And when asked about his own development and ambitions after missing out on the latest Scotland squad, Barron was clear about where his priorities lie: “We've had to be patient at the start of the season, and I wasn't playing as much as I would have liked to. But the more games you get, the more settled you are. I feel like I'm in a good place at the moment, so I've just got to keep that up.
“You’ve got to do well at your club and perform week in, week out. If international recognition comes, it's a massive bonus, but this is my bread and butter here and this is all I care about.”
The match kicks off at 8pm GMT and is live on TNT Sports.