Russell Martin’s tenure at Rangers may have ended in disappointment, but Kyle Lafferty is adamant that his former Norwich teammate will rise above this setback with flying colors. And this is the part most people miss: Lafferty believes Martin was let down not by his own abilities, but by players who crumbled under the immense pressure of Ibrox. But here's where it gets controversial—while many blame Martin for the team’s poor performance, Lafferty argues that the real issue lies in the players’ inability to handle the unique demands of Scottish football, particularly at a club as storied as Rangers.
In a recent interview with Record Sport, Lafferty expressed his initial excitement when Martin took the helm at Rangers, replacing Philippe Clement. However, he acknowledges that the results were far from satisfactory. Yet, he remains unwavering in his belief that Martin has what it takes to succeed as a manager elsewhere. Here’s the kicker: Lafferty points to the example of Umar Sadiq, a player who struggled at Rangers but has since commanded transfer fees totaling around £50 million at other clubs. This, Lafferty argues, highlights the unique challenges of playing for the Old Firm, where expectations are sky-high from day one.
Lafferty explains, “Some players who were brilliant at previous clubs just couldn’t handle the pressure at Rangers. It’s not just about skill—you need a mental toughness to withstand the scrutiny and criticism. The fans are passionate, and every mistake is magnified. It’s a toxic environment when things aren’t going well, and unfortunately, Russ was caught in the middle of it.”
He adds, “I feel for him because he’s a great guy and a talented manager. The fans have every right to voice their opinions, but it’s been tough to watch, especially when it’s someone you care about. I really wanted him to succeed, but once the fans turned, there was no coming back.”
Lafferty also touches on the broader issue of player adaptability, suggesting that many who fail at Rangers go on to thrive elsewhere. “It’s a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he says. “I’m confident Russ will land another job and prove his worth. People will see that he’s a good manager—this was just a chapter that didn’t go as planned.”
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is it fair to judge a manager solely based on their performance at one club, especially when external factors like player adaptability play such a significant role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Lafferty’s take, or do you think Martin’s failure at Rangers is a reflection of his managerial abilities? The debate is open!
