A New Era at Rangers
Graeme Souness, the former manager of Rangers, is watching with admiration as the club undergoes a transformation. The recent change in ownership has brought American investors into the picture, and their influence is already making waves. Souness, who once led the team to great success, sees parallels between the current situation and the changes he initiated back in 1986.
The new manager, Martin, has taken a bold approach by insisting that players raise their standards. This strategy has already started to pay off, with positive results on the pitch. While the previous era saw the arrival of high-profile international players, the current squad may not be as flashy, but the energy and direction of the club feel familiar.
Souness acknowledges that while it’s too early to predict whether Martin can replicate his own achievements, there’s a sense of something special happening again. He notes that the new owners, including 49ers Enterprises, have shown professionalism and a clear understanding of what they’re doing. Their experience in other ventures, such as their time with Leeds United, has given them a solid foundation.
Leadership and Standards
One of the key aspects of Martin’s leadership is his insistence on high standards. After a lackluster performance against Motherwell, he publicly criticized most of his players for not giving their best. This was followed by a strategic decision to leave out several key players in the next match, showing his commitment to setting a strong example.
Souness believes that this approach is necessary. He recalls his own experiences with legendary figures like Jock Stein, who pushed players to their limits. Souness emphasizes that successful football clubs need strong senior players to set the tone. He also mentions that some players require more encouragement than others, and that he personally didn’t need much.
European Ambitions
The recent win against Viktoria Plzen has put Rangers in a strong position for the play-off round. This could lead to a chance to compete in the Champions League, a goal that Souness supports despite the challenges of playing against top-tier teams. He recalls the painful loss to Liverpool, which highlighted the importance of belief and confidence.
While the Europa League might offer more consistent results, Souness believes that the desire to face the best is crucial. He feels that the passion and rivalry in Scottish football are unmatched, with Rangers and Celtic standing out among the biggest clubs in the country.
Passion and Rivalry
Souness points out that the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is unique. He considers them to be among the four most significant football institutions in the UK, alongside Liverpool and Manchester United. This level of passion among fans keeps the game exciting and intense.
As the club continues its journey under new ownership, the focus remains on returning to the top of Scottish football. For Souness, the ultimate goal is not just to compete but to be the best. He believes that the support from fans plays a vital role in driving the team forward.
Promoting Scottish Football
In addition to his comments on the club, Souness is promoting Premier Sports’ coverage of Scottish football. Fans can enjoy over 80 matches from various competitions, including the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. With a promotional code, viewers can access an entire season of football for just £99. This initiative aims to bring more people into the fold and keep the excitement alive for all supporters.