Russell Martin fires back at Jamie O’Hara for Loch Lomond comments
Russell Martin has defended his unique team bonding session after fierce criticism from Jamie O’Hara.
Rangers remain winless in the Scottish Premiership this season and are out of the Champions League following a humiliating defeat to Club Brugge.
Martin faces the sack at Rangers, and supporters protested against his position as manager outside Ibrox before their League Cup victory over Hibernian.
The former Southampton boss took his Rangers players on a trip to Loch Lomond before the match, though former player O’Hara believed it would not have gone down well with the squad.
Russell Martin responds to Jamie O’Hara comments
Speaking before Rangers begin their Europa League campaign against Genk, Martin responded to O’Hara’s criticism of the Loch Lomond trip.
As per the Daily Record, [24 September], Martin said: “Our job as coaches is to help players as much as possible.
“But when you’re in the midst of it, there’s so many games, you don’t have time to really take stock, so it’s really difficult for the players to maintain a sense of self and actually to enjoy and be conscious of what’s going on because it all becomes a bit robotic.
“So, it’s been a really interesting process for that. That was the whole point of taking them out of this environment last week.
“Ex-pros talk about it, ‘just take them out for a round of golf or take them out drinking.’ But it’s not the answer, just escaping it.
“So, we have to embrace what comes with this football club. Because it’s an amazing challenge, the intensity of it all. And as I said to them, the potential for them if we can really get going in this place.
“The potential for them to enjoy and be successful is amazing. The more they find joy in it, the better you’ll see them perform.”
Martin may be planning more team building trips away after it worked with a first win in five matches.
| Games Managed | 13 |
| Games Won | 4 |
| Games Drawn | 5 |
| Games Lost | 4 |
Martin must build on Hibs victory
Martin must now build on that positive result against Hibs, as the next few weeks look crucial for his future at the club.
Rangers’ upcoming fixtures provide Martin with a chance to build momentum and quieten down fans frustrations.
The two promoted clubs, Livingston and Falkirk, await Rangers in the Scottish Premiership after Genk, two matches that Martin must win.
The return of Nico Raskin against Hibs was a welcome one, whilst Bojan Miovski netted his first goal for the club in that contest, and the striker could be the key if Martin is to remain at Ibrox.