By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 3, 2025

Rangers head coach Martin Russell singled out Cyriel Dessers for praise despite their Scottish Premier League opening fixture draw at Motherwell on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Martin was hurt and angry after their 1-1 draw at Motherwell, noting that the players will be judged by their performances in the SPL this season.

James Tavernier headed them in front with Emmanuel Longelo equalising late on; it is the third consecutive season they have dropped points on the opening day.

The new head coach refused to use their Champions League exploits for the draw with Motherwell at Fir Park, telling Sky Sports they were “lucky to get a point” as the fans booed them at full-time.

Martin was, however, full of praise for Dessers, who played just 28 minutes in the fixture.

 “Some of them have to drop their ego, I’ll look at us tactically and accept my responsibility in it,” Martin told Sky Sports.

“We need to work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t, but Europe is not an excuse. This club demands to play in Europe.

 “Cyriel Dessers is the only one that we’ve actually had a bid for, and he comes on and he runs so hard. Some of them need to have a look at him and set that example,” the Scottish manager said about the Super Eagles star.

“There will be people left behind if they don’t want to come. They’ll be left behind because they need to understand really what playing for this football club will take and what it means, and not just when it’s having a nice time.

 “I know what we’re coming into, and I understand the fans’ frustration.

 “We are only one game in, and it is a work in progress. We need to work out quickly who really wants to listen, who will really fight, who will really run when the going gets tough,” Martin concluded.

Dessers has been linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, with Greek Super League side AEK Athens submitting an offer for the ex-Cremonese man, but talks have cooled in recent weeks.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 4, 2025

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