Rangers' head coach Russell Martin has openly criticized his team's lack of intensity during their preparation for the upcoming Champions League qualifying second leg against Panathinaikos. Despite a 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough, Martin was dissatisfied with the 'downbeat' attitude displayed by some players.

Key Points from Martin's Critique:

• First Half Performance: Martin expressed frustration over the first half, noting that while Middlesbrough pressed aggressively, many uncomfortable moments were due to Rangers' lack of intensity.
• Player Attitude: He emphasized that players must channel their disappointment into aggression and intensity on the field, rather than letting it affect their performance negatively.
• Team Unity: Martin stressed the importance of every player being fully committed, especially at the start of a long season where everyone's contribution will be crucial.

Praise for Individual Players:

• Oscar Cortes: Martin highlighted Cortes' hard running and effort, despite the end product not being perfect due to limited playtime.
• Josh Gentles: Similarly, he praised 17-year-old Josh Gentles for his willingness to run and support teammates.

Incident with the Referee: Martin was shown a red card after arguing with referee John Beatton over a first-half incident where he believed a penalty should have been awarded. He admitted to possibly overstepping his bounds in his passion for the game.

Looking Ahead: As Rangers prepare for the crucial match against Panathinaikos, Martin's focus remains on ensuring that the team steps up their game and maintains the necessary intensity to secure a positive result.