Russell Martin hailed Rangers’ performance in Tuesday night’s 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen as the most complete since he took charge of the club.
Djeidi Gassama’s double – making it four goals in three consecutive European games for the winger – and a Cyriel Dessers penalty capped a much improved display by the side following Saturday’s lacklustre showing at Motherwell.
It vindicated Martin’s furious reaction to the 1-1 draw, when he criticised the big egos of some players, with skipper James Tavernier and midfielder Nico Raskin left out as part of four changes made to the team that faced the Czechs.
Savouring a fine performance, especially from new £3million signing Oliver Antman on the right flank, Martin said: ‘It was the most put-together performance we’ve had, for sure, with the ball and without.
‘The reaction to losing the ball was great. We moved the ball much quicker, a shorter distance, found the spare man, [made] runs in behind a lot more than what we’ve had in the last few games.
‘But we are going to get much better than that. I’m really pleased but there’s so much to do, so much to work on.
A delighted Djeidi Gassama celebrates giving Rangers an early lead at Ibrox
Russell Martin applauds his Rangers players after a much improved performance
Cyriel Dessers is ecstatic after his penalty puts Rangers 2-0 ahead of Viktoria Plzen
‘It’s still so early but, for the guys to put on a performance like that, after a difficult time on Saturday in a game which means so much, I’m really proud of them.
‘I’m just annoyed at the last 15 minutes when we dropped a bit of intensity but it’s understandable with the schedule we’ve had.
‘Hopefully the team and the fans felt a bit more of what it should be like and what it’s going to look like when the team starts getting into flow.
‘The players have bought in to what we’re trying to do but hopefully they felt enough to really convince them it’s going to be worthwhile and it can help us win a lot.’
After reading the riot act at the weekend, Martin was asked about the omissions of Tavernier and Raskin, who came off the bench in the second half.
‘Danilo and [Kieran] Dowell came out as well,’ he said. ‘No one person is harder (to leave out) than another in terms of the conversation.
‘It’s not easy when you care about the players and you want them to do well, but I’m always honest with them on why they’re coming out. They don’t have to agree but hopefully they respect a bit of honesty.
‘Their reaction said everything when they came on the pitch. Did it feel like big decisions? No, I don’t see it like that.
Gassama and Oliver Antman celebrate after the pair combined for Gassama’s second goal
Martin had fiercely criticised his players at weekend but was far happier on Tuesday night
Gassama and Antman congratulate each other on a job well done in Champions League qualifier
‘I judge every moment now. We spoke about everyone having a clean slate so, what went on before, I had no control over.
‘It’s not personal, it’s about what was best for us tonight.’
Antman’s eye-catching debut came less than 48 hours after he completed his switch from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles.
He came close to scoring midway through the first half, only to see his first-time effort cleared off the line, but quickly won the penalty which doubled Rangers’ advantage before providing the assist for Gassama to head home his second and Rangers’ third.
Praising the Finn, Martin said: ‘Gilly [Matt Gilks, assistant manager] sat down with Olly at half-time and he’d been battered with video stuff after a long 48 hours. In the first half he wanted a lot of touches but, in the second, he was devastating with so many runs in behind.
‘I’m really pleased with him because we’ve picked out some bits and he’s taken it into the game.’
The win puts Rangers in a commanding position ahead of next week’s second leg, with the winner facing Club Brugge or Salzburg for a place in the Champions League.
