Martin's mentality slogan accompanies yet another Rangers loss

After the team's opening-day tie against Motherwell, the head coach argued that what was undermining his team was "not primarily strategic, it is a mindset problem".

This occurred two months ago. Nevertheless when he spoke following the disjointed 2-1 Europa League setback on Thursday, there was a wearying repetition about the way the manager accounted for the final score.

"It is mentality, rather than a skill-based or tactical problem," Rangers' manager commented.

Another fixture, one more Groundhog Day for Rangers.

The action during matches is expected, while Martin's evaluation has a air of inevitability about it too.

There is little to analyze about the sluggish opening and subpar defensive work that allowed Sturm Graz to establish dominance of the Europa League match that has not already been extensively covered by players, pundits and punters equally.

The common denominator is that there is a challenge within the club. Ongoing complaints suggest that. Only five successes in 16 matches cause it to be increasingly apparent.

Therefore, for how much longer can the team and Martin work from identical explanations and hope for an alternative outcome?

Aside from the slight improvement on the road to recovery that was the Scottish Premiership victory against their weekend opponents, the Glasgow club have been unable to escape the initial stage.

In Austria, they had a possibility to establish some winning rhythm and create justification for their manager, who stays facing significant scrutiny.

Conversely, a poor throw-in from James Tavernier was lofted forward by an opponent, controlled by another player, and converted by the goalscorer. Only 420 seconds had passed.

If that was a defensive error, the follow-up score was a defensive disaster.

Pushed-up defenders at a deep free-kick was penetrated easily with one excellent ground shot, and a struggling Jack Butland was left embarrassed for the second occasion in the initial 45 minutes.

"Basic mistakes," commented ex- Glasgow Rangers right-back Alan Hutton.

Two mistakes due to Rangers' psychological approach, as per the manager. Nothing to do with their tactical arrangement, methodology or method.

"The difference between the initial period to the remainder was too separated really," the manager commented. "It is concentration, it's mentality.

"I'm annoyed since we allow a pair of weak scores, easy strikes. We prepared extensively about them lately we were just not switched on.

"We created our difficulties as they failed to generate any chances from open play. It's disappointing and frustrating."

The Glasgow side hirpled on up to half-time. Then the dynamic shifted.

One player and Oliver Antman were swapped for a substitute and Bojan Miovski in changes that represented not at all direct alterations.

Consequently Derek Cornelius shunted to the left defensive position, while Tavernier at centre-back. Eye-popping in theory, successful on the pitch.

Having renewed energy among the players - though not completely the domination Martin indicated - the goalscorer appropriately reduced the deficit for Rangers.

But as has been the trend frequently this season, the authors of their problems were unable to recover till the damage was established.

"We displayed inexperienced and wound up trailing at 2-0, then we were chasing the contest," the defender told media.

"The opening was good, I don't know what the issue entails. It appears that there are moments when all players is switched on and concentrated and then it can switch, I don't know why.

"We must not be tolerant of that. We cannot remain in this state. We must to respond."

David: Time to depart. It's simply absolute drivel each occasion Martin opens his mouth. He must be observing different games to all other observers. Absolutely out of touch.

Steve: There is evidently a disconnect within Martin and the players. If they can't apply fundamental approaches including ways to appropriately defend a restart, therefore something is badly wrong.

Robert: The manager needs to leave prior to the situation continues to decline more. I've stopped experiencing shocked now about the team losing, it's developing into the norm. The upcoming home game crowd might be interesting.

Stewart: True managers avoid blaming {their men|