TalkSPORT pundit ‘perplexed’ at what Russell Martin just said after Rangers defeat to Genk
Rangers lost again as their torrid start to the season continued with a dismal 1-0 loss at home to Genk in the Europa League.
Rangers’ loss to Genk is their fifth in all competitions so far this season, with boss Russell Martin now under intense pressure.
Martin was criticised against Genk for his decisions following Mohammed Diomande’s red card, an incident that made life even harder for Rangers.
Rangers are now lining up targets to replace Martin, according to reports, and it seems the former Southampton boss is running out of time in Glasgow.
Russell Martin made bizarre comments after Genk defeat
After the game, Martin was unusually upbeat in his post-match press conference, despite Rangers’ defeat.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Scottish football expert David Tanner spoke about Martin’s post-match comments.
Tanner said: “This was not a good performance by any stretch of the imagination. Their goalkeeper was not worked at all. I was left perplexed by Russell Martin’s comments that he was proud of his players. After that, it’s a big defeat it’s a game against a Belgian side that Rangers should be routinely winning.
“Ibrox, like Celtic Park and Hampden Park are cauldrons on big match night, but it was a flatter atmosphere and there’s almost an air of resignation about Ibrox stadium at the moment,” Tanner finished.
Rangers face a tricky task in their upcoming Europa League fixtures
Rangers will now face Livingstone in the Scottish Premiership, a match they will start in 11th place in the league table.
Tanner, though, focused more on Rangers’ upcoming European ties, saying: “In Europe their next home games are against Roma and Braga, and if you can’t beat a Belgian side you’re going to be in real difficulty, so everything points to it requiring a reboot.
| Ranger’s next five games | Competition |
| Livingstone vs Rangers | Scottish Premiership |
| Sturm Graz vs Rangers | Europa League |
| Falkirk vs Rangers | Scottish Premiership |
| Rangers vs Dundee United | Scottish Premiership |
| Brannn vs Rangers | Europa League |
“Of course, it has just had a reboot a couple of months ago, but it’s whether the 14,000 empty seats prompt the new owners to make a move.”
Martin will know their meeting against Livingstone is a must-win match, or else he may not live to fight in those two big Europa League matches at all.