Russell Martin accepting Rangers sack after what he did during press conference vs Genk
Russell Martin’s time as Rangers manager may be nearly over after the Gers’ latest defeat which could have decided his fate.
Rangers fell to defeat against Genk in their opening Europa League match, with former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu netting the winner.
Jack Butland saved a penalty from Oh, and Mohammed Diomande was sent off, as the pressure intensified on Martin.
Martin has won just four matches in charge of Rangers, none of which have come in the Scottish Premiership, where the Gers sit 11th in the table.
Steven Thompson blasts Rangers under Russell Martin’s leadership
Following the match, Martin’s press conference did not inspire belief in former Rangers striker Steven Thompson that the manager can turn around the current fortunes of the club.
Martin faces the sack at Rangers, and Thompson, as per BBC Sport [26 September], believes he has “run out of ideas.”
“There was a lack of energy in his press conference, you could feel that it was getting to him,” Thompson said.
“There was an acceptance there, he knows he’s under pressure. How long are we going to keep hearing ‘we’re going to get there’ for?”
“Players are looking at each other asking, ‘what do we do?‘,”
“It looks like they’ve run out of ideas. Everything is so laborious and predictable.
“It frustrates the life out of the supporters and they don’t enjoy what they’re watching.”
Martin was not able to build on Rangers’ 2-0 win over Hibs a few days prior, which was just his fourth victory in charge of the club, and their defeat against Genk could have been heavier had it not been for Butland in goal.
Martin won’t be Rangers manager for much longer
Rangers legend Ally McCoist was also unhappy at the final whistle and thinks Martin will be sacked soon.
As per TNT Sports, [25 September], McCoist said: “The manager is in big trouble.
“Something has to change, and change dramatically. This can’t go on for long.
| Goals per match | 0.6 |
| Goals Conceded per match | 1.0 |
| Clean Sheets | 1 |
| Average Possession | 63.3% |
“If people around the stadium don’t support you, there’s no point.
“I’m desperate for Russell Martin to turn things around but it looks miles off it.“
Next up for Martin is a trip to Livingston, a side that are winless in their last five matches in all competitions.
Fail to win that and time could be for him at Ibrox.