Russell Martin officially took charge of Rangers in June 2025, signing a three-year contract to kick off a rebuild under new American ownership (49ers Enterprises). His mandate: modernize the squad, instil possession-based football, and restore European competitiveness after seasons of decline domestically and in Europe (Ibrox Noise, Globedge, The Guardian).
His first competitive match comes in a vital Champions League second qualifying round tie against Greek giants Panathinaikos, with the first leg at Ibrox on July 22, 2025. Progress would lead to a third qualifying round against Servette or Viktoria Plzen (Talksport).
Squad Revamp: High Tempo, High Investment
Martin arrived with broad backing, signing seven new players in quick succession to shape a fresh style and identity:
Emmanuel Fernandez (from Peterborough, £3.5 m) — left-back known for his attacking positioning.
Joe Rothwell, Lyall Cameron, Thelo Aasgaard, and Oscar Cortes — midfield and attacking reinforcements with pace and versatility.
Max Aarons — right-back on loan from Bournemouth, expected to provide width and dynamism.
Nasser Djiga — centre-back on loan from Wolves with Premier League and Champions League experience(Sports Mole, Football Whispers).
Djeidi Gassama — winger from Sheffield Wednesday for £2.2 m, offering explosive wide threat and creativity(Sports Mole).
Total net spending stands at around £10.2 million, signaling deliberate investment in youth, pace, and tactical flexibility rather than marquee stars (Ibrox Noise, Globedge).
Tactical Identity: Martin’s Style at Ibrox
Martin is implementing a possession-based, high-pressing football style, with a transition-friendly 4‑3‑3 that morphs into 3‑2‑5 when attacking. This reflects his time at Southampton and philosophies admired by peers including Pep Guardiola(FotMob).
Core principles include effective passing, possession in attacking thirds, and fluid wide play. Joe Rothwell, with Championship-winning pedigree and technical intelligence, is expected to be key in shaping the midfield pivot(The Scotsman).
Martin has also shown a willingness to integrate youth prospects such as Bailey Rice, Robbie Ure, Findlay Curtis, and Zak Lovelace into matchday squads — underlining a balanced rebuild philosophy(FotMob).
Match Preview: Rangers vs Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos, led by Rui Vitoria, finished second in Greece and narrowly missed Europa League group stage. They bring European experience but face injury concerns—for instance, defender Georgios Kyriakopoulos may be unavailable(The Scottish Sun).
Rangers are favorites, with bookmakers giving them 3/4 odds, while a draw is priced at 11/4 and an away win at 16/5. Previews predict a potential 3–1 home win for the Gers(The Scottish Sun, Talksport).
Martin has cautioned that while important, this match “won’t define the season”. He emphasized that fitness and squad depth remain works in progress — some transfers like Gassama and Igamane are not match-ready yet(The Scottish Sun).
Panathinaikos coach has admitted uncertainty over Rangers’ tactics due to closed-door friendlies and new signings, making scouting difficult. Bundesliga players like Ioannidis and Scarpa pose threats on transitions(The Scottish Sun).
Key Themes & Outlook
Rebuild in motion — Martin’s arrival marks a philosophical shift. The signings indicate a focus on versatility, pace, and new energy.
High stakes opener — Champions League qualification is critical: success affirms Martin’s direction; failure brings scrutiny fast.
Balance of youth and experience — Martin continues blending academy prospects with seasoned pros, creating stability and long-term potential.
Cultural reset — Beyond tactics, Martin is reshaping club culture—from leadership structures to fan engagement—aiming for sustained competitiveness(FotMob).
Summary
Rangers enter European qualification with a renewed identity under Russell Martin, bolstered by seven summer signings designed for possession, pressure, and pace. The first-leg clash with Panathinaikos serves as both an immediate test and a broader statement of intent. Martin’s possession-centric philosophy, combined with a reinvigorated squad and youth integration, positions Ibrox for an ambitious campaign. Yet, success in this Champions League trek hinges on cohesion, adaptation, and delivering under pressure.
