MARTIN SLAMS RASKIN WITH BRUTAL HONESTY – MIDFIELDER ADMITS RELIEF AFTER RETURN IN CUP WIN
Glasgow, Scotland – Rangers head coach Russell Martin has fired back with brutal honesty regarding Nico Raskin’s absence from the squad, breaking his silence on the month-long saga that kept the Belgian midfielder out of action.
Raskin, who made his much-anticipated return in Rangers’ 2-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Hibernian, not only started but opened the scoring at Ibrox. His performance was a reminder of just how crucial he can be in the middle of the park. But it was his post-match interview and Martin’s candid response that have dominated headlines across Scotland.
Raskin Speaks: “Finally” Back Playing
For weeks, Rangers fans have speculated about why Raskin was frozen out since the 1-1 draw with St Mirren in August. Rumors swirled about a falling out with the manager, training ground disagreements, and even transfer links away from Ibrox.
Speaking to Premier Sports after the win, Raskin admitted relief to finally be back:
“Yeah, it is. Finally,” he said when asked how it felt to be involved again. “Listen, I think, well, it is in the past now. We have to move forward. We put in a good performance on the pitch, we have to look forward and build on that. Everything has not been perfect. I did not enjoy part of it, I think the manager didn’t enjoy part of it, and now we had a good chat and well, hopefully we can just work together and have a good spell together and look forward.”
Raskin also praised the fans for their support:
“There are things that happen in football. We are an emotional club, an emotional team, so I just want to win. We just want to give back to the fans what they give to us. The support I had was amazing. For someone who was not born here, it just feels amazing.”
The interview was heartfelt but also hinted that tensions between player and manager had been real — something Russell Martin did not shy away from addressing.
Martin’s Brutal Response: “I Will Not Compromise Standards”
In the post-match press conference, Russell Martin was asked about Raskin’s comments and whether the player had been unfairly treated. The Rangers boss did not hold back.
“I’ve heard what Nico said. I’m glad he’s back, I’m glad he scored, but let’s be very clear – there were reasons why he wasn’t in the team,” Martin said.
Then came the sting.
“I don’t drop players for fun. I don’t rotate key players because I wake up in a bad mood. Nico needed to get back to the standards we expect here — in training, in attitude, and in focus. That’s the truth. I will not compromise the standards of this football club for any individual, no matter how talented.”
Martin admitted that the “good chat” Raskin referred to was more than just a friendly conversation.
“It was a difficult conversation. Honest. Maybe brutal. But it was needed. I told him what I needed from him, and he responded the right way. Credit to him — he worked hard to get back into the team, and tonight you saw the result of that.”
Fans React: Divided Opinion
Martin’s no-nonsense comments have drawn mixed reactions from supporters. Some have praised his tough stance, arguing that Rangers need discipline and unity to get back to the top.
Former player and pundit Neil McCann told BBC Scotland:
“This is what big clubs need – strong management. Martin has drawn a line in the sand. If Raskin can respond positively, Rangers will be stronger for it.”
But others feel Martin’s approach risks alienating key players. Social media has been buzzing since the press conference, with some fans accusing the manager of being too rigid and creating unnecessary drama.
One fan wrote on X:
“Glad Nico is back, but Martin throwing him under the bus in public is not what we need. Handle it in the dressing room, not the press.”
Relief Mixed with Reality
The result itself — a solid if unspectacular 2-0 win — was a step in the right direction for Rangers, who booked their place in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup. But the backdrop of protests, empty seats, and ongoing discontent means the pressure on Martin has not fully eased.
Raskin’s return was one of the few bright spots of the night. His early goal settled nerves and his energy in midfield gave Rangers the control they have been missing. The challenge now will be to reintegrate him fully into the team and ensure this positive momentum continues.
Martin’s Man-Management Under the Microscope
This episode has shone a light on Martin’s management style. He is clearly a coach who believes in setting high standards and sticking to them, even if it means benching important players.
“We are building a culture here,” Martin said in his final remarks. “And that culture is about hard work, humility, and playing for the badge. Nico has bought back into that. If everyone does the same, we will be successful.”
Such strong words may inspire some players but could also test the loyalty of others. Dressing rooms can be fragile places, and Martin’s ability to keep everyone united will be crucial in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: Semi-Final Looms
With a semi-final on the horizon, Rangers now have a chance to turn this turbulent period into a rallying point. A trophy would go a long way toward calming the storm around Ibrox and giving Martin the breathing room he needs.
For Raskin, this is a chance to make himself undroppable once again. If he continues to deliver on the pitch, the controversy of the past month may quickly be forgotten.
But the bigger question remains: can Martin translate his hardline approach into consistent results? Fans will demand nothing less.
Conclusion: Brutal Honesty, or Unnecessary Drama?
Russell Martin’s blunt assessment of Nico Raskin’s absence has divided opinion but left no doubt about who is in charge at Ibrox. His insistence on standards and discipline has set the tone — now he must back it up with performances that restore Rangers’ place at the top of Scottish football.
Raskin’s return is a boost, but this saga may have longer-term consequences if not handled carefully. For now, the two men appear to have buried the hatchet and are focused on the same goal: winning football matches and giving the fans something to believe in again.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Saturday night was the start of a turnaround — or just a brief pause in a storm that is far from over.
