Rangers head coach Russell Martin is enjoying down the importance of their Champions League qualifier in opposition to Panathinaikos, insisting it is not a “season-defining” sport.
They host the Greece aspect at Ibrox on Tuesday night time in what can be Martin’s first aggressive sport since taking cost, with the return in Athens on July 30.
Victory will see them tackle Czech aspect Viktoria Plzen or Swiss outfit Servette within the third qualifying spherical, whereas they are going to drop into Europa League qualification in the event that they lose.
“It’s not going to be a season-defining game, it’s not. So it’s a really, really big game,” he stated whereas confirming new signing Thelo Aasgaard is the one doubt for the match.
“A season is an extended season, it will likely be outlined by what we do between now and Could.
“You may construct it as much as be that, it is a huge sport. Each sport for Rangers is a giant sport, each sport is a must-win.
“But it surely’s not season-defining, the squad will look very completely different in 4 or 5 weeks, I am satisfied of that.
“The team we have now, the squad we have now, we have to put a performance that looks like us, feels like us, and one that we can build up and ultimately win the game.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Rangers captain James Tavernier has been talking for the primary time since Russell Martin took cost, as he additionally seems to be forward to their Champions League qualifier vs Panathinaikos
Martin has made seven new signings this summer season and continues to be eager so as to add to his squad forward of their Scottish Premiership opener at Motherwell on August 2, reside on Sky Sports activities.
Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons have joined the membership on mortgage from Wolves and Bournemouth, respectively, with Djeidi Gassama, Emmanuel Fernandez, Joe Rothwell, Thelo Aasgaard and Lyall Cameron agreeing everlasting offers.
“I’m excited about it, I’m looking forward to the game. The players should, with the work they’ve put in for the last four weeks, be really excited about this game now,” the previous Southampton boss added.
“In terms of preparation, work, physically, tactically, the connection between the way we work, I’ve been so pleased over the four weeks, but it’s not a long time.
Max Aarons may make his aggressive Rangers debut in opposition to Panathinaikos
“I think tomorrow’s going to be a real big test for us to see how far along we are, and see how much work we have to do.
“That is essentially the most attention-grabbing and thrilling bit for us as a training employees, is that tomorrow we’ll study loads in regards to the group, and study loads about what we have to prioritise transferring ahead over the following few weeks.”
How will Rangers line up?
Who will make Martin’s first beginning XI?
New possession. New administration. New gamers. However how will all of it look on the pitch?
Rangers have loved nice success within the Europa League in latest seasons, and we take into account how they could line up for his or her first aggressive sport of the 12 months…
Sky Sports activities to indicate 215 reside PL video games from subsequent season
Watch extra Premier League matches on Sky Sports activities ever earlier than with 215 video games reside of the 2025/26 Premier League season
From subsequent season, Sky Sports activities’ Premier League protection will improve from 128 matches to no less than 215 video games completely reside.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League video games subsequent season are on Sky Sports activities.
