Rangers lost 3-1 to Club Brugge in a challenging Champions League playoff, conceding three goals in the first 20 minutes. Russell Martin expressed pride in the players for their second-half response, which included scoring a goal. He acknowledged that the early goals disrupted their game plan, leading to anxiety and poor decisions. Despite the defeat, Martin believes the tie remains open, emphasizing their underdog status and the emotional reactions from fans. He understands their frustration but insists it shouldn't burden the players.
"That's as hard as it will ever be for the players on the pitch. I'm proud of how they responded. We concede a crazy goal and don't respond anywhere near well enough. Then we concede out of anxiety and make decisions based on desperation. The game plan went out the window."
"When you're 2-0 down after seven minutes, tactics don't come into it. It's not about style of play, it's about the reaction and we didn't react well."
"The tie is still open. We have the privilege of hunting and chasing. We go in as underdogs - I'll enjoy that and I think the players will as well."
"I understand the intensity and emotion here but it can't change the way we work and become a weight around the players' necks."
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