Russell Martin received the reaction of Rangers he wanted in the 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen near Ibrox, but insists that people like James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin were not dropped from the side that undermined in Motherwell.
De Gers -head coach criticized the mentality and egos of his players after Saturday's draw in Fir Park in their Scottish Premiership – opener, with tavernier and Raskin – perhaps the best player of Gers last season – omitted together with Danilo and Kieran Dowell.
New signing of Oliver Antman, the Finland wing player who came from Go evening Eagles on Monday – debuted – and was great. He came in the start XI next to the impressive Lyall Cameron, plus left back Jefte and striker Cyriel Dessers, while John Souttar was appointed captain.
Winger Djidi Gassama scored after 14 minutes, Dessers added a second of the place just before the interval and the summer signed fourth goal in three European tires Rangers in an impressive lead for the return leg of the Champions League third qualification next week.
Boss Martin said: “I really enjoyed it. I am proud of the boys.
“We had a very difficult evening on Saturday, just because there was not enough behind, aggression, intensity with the ball.
“We were not only racing and enthusiastic, we showed a lot of clips and we tried to learn a lot in the meeting room and on the field in the last few days and they took it brilliant.
“The boys who came to the team were fantastic. We need everyone.
“You are not falling out of this team, people come in and out a lot, because we have to be fresh.
“So it's not easy to leave people away. But the boys who came from the team came up and did it brilliantly. So I'm happy.
“The thing I am irritated are the last 15 minutes, we probably dropped a bit of intensity, but it is understandable with the schedule we have had.”
Martin claimed that Tavernier was an understanding of his decision to leave him on the sidelines.
He said: “Yes, yes, he was great – all the guys.
“I say my piece, if they have to say a piece, it is really respectful and very honest.
“But I think the way he played when he came up, you showed everything you need to know. So there has been no problem and I don't intend to have problems.
“Dani and Dowell also came out, and nobody is harder than the other in terms of conversation.
“It's not easy if you care about the players and you are desperate that they are doing well, it's not a simple conversation ever.
“I'm just always honest with them, why they come out, why I choose someone else, and they just don't have to agree, but hopefully they respect a little honesty.
“And I think their reaction when they came to the field tonight, everything says, they were great.”