Russell Martin was brutally frank in his assessment of Rangers’ performance in the 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday evening. – the third consecutive season in which the Ibrox men have failed to win their opening League fixture.

“I think we were lucky to get a point. We were nowhere near where we need to be, and I’m extremely disappointed and hurt by that. Motherwell were braver and more aggressive than us. The thing I can’t accept is – whatever the tactics are – we were outfought in certain moments.

“We pick and choose when we want to play properly and when we want to run hard. When the game’s not going well, we have too many players that want to do their own thing and slip into self-preservation. When it’s going well, you want the ball, and when it’s not – there’s a problem.

Most Read on FollowFollow.com The FollowFollow.com Friday Preview – Hearts at Home Dessers Departs – A look back at Cyriel In The Eye Of The Storm – Rangers 0-0 Celtic

“This is not me blaming the players at all – I think it’s a problem the club has had over the last few years. The problems weren’t tactical – it was about energy, mentality, courage.

“We started well – we went ahead and we were playing some good stuff until we got to the final third.”

The ‘Gers Manager revealed something of his post-match address to his players.

“I’ve said to the players, there is a default here at this football club to revert to type. When it’s going really well, everyone’s all in. When it’s not going well, you protect yourself a little bit. There’s too much ego and too much self-preservation. You can’t play for this club and just enjoy the really good moments. You can’t pick and choose when you want to compete. You have to be all in all the time.”

“We had two men on the pitch today that want to do what they want to do. When you want to just jog around and do what you want to do, there’s a big problem.

“There’ll be people left behind if they don’t want to come because they need to understand what playing for this football club will take and what it means. Playing for this football club and being successful at this football club are two entirely different things.”

“The lethargy is simply not acceptable. I’m surprised by that – but I’m more angry than surprised.”

“I will look at us tactically and accept my responsibility in it – but today, it’s a mentality problem, and we got more than what we deserved, actually.”

Martin did however have nothing but praise for substitute Cyriel Dessers.

“Cyriel is the only guy in the building that we’ve actually had a bid for. We turned it down – I had a chat with the player, he’s dealt with it brilliantly. He’s had an injury – so he’s coming on as a substitute and he runs like a beast because he’s a good professional and a good human being. If he does leave, or even if he stays, he doesn’t want anyone to feel negative about him”

Robert McElroy