Russell Martin’s tenure at Rangers has had a rocky start, with just three wins from his first eight games in charge. Following Tuesday’s 3-1 Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge, concerns are growing over the form and fitness of new signing Joe Rothwell.
The midfielder, who arrived from Bournemouth this summer after a successful loan spell at Leeds United, has started seven games for Rangers but has yet to complete a full 90 minutes. His average game time sits at just over 74 minutes, raising questions about his sharpness.
BBC Sportsound’s Kenny Macintyre voiced his concerns during the Brugge clash, stating: “Joe Rothwell for me has looked knackered in every game. Max Aarons, for me, in every game has looked out of his depth. I know it’s early days, but it’s a huge concern.”
Rothwell’s lack of stamina contrasts with his time at Leeds, where he regularly lasted full matches while helping secure promotion to the Premier League. With Rangers facing a congested schedule, his struggles could prove costly for Martin, who is already under pressure after a poor start to the campaign.
The defeat to Brugge highlighted further weaknesses in Martin’s system, particularly at full-back, leaving Rangers with a mountain to climb in Europe and serious doubts over whether the new boss can steady the ship.
