Following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Genk in the Europa League, Fabrizio Romano has shared what he’s now heard from Glasgow Rangers on the future of Ibrox boss Russell Martin.
Martin calls for "perspective" after Rangers defeat
Last weekend’s victory over Hibernian handed Martin hope, but just that. His side were returned to the reality of their situation in brutal fashion as former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu raced in behind before firing home Genk’s winning goal at Ibrox in midweek. Down to 10 men and beaten, it was yet another evening to forget for the Gers.
Martin was once again forced to come out in defence of his side and his tenure at the club, calling for “perspective” after Mohamed Diomande’s red card left Genk with a man advantage.
“Have a bit of perspective on tonight and how difficult it was after the red card. Because whether you like it or not, it changes a lot when you are down to 10 men for so long in a game in a European tie. So, learn from it, especially the first half, where we hurt ourselves a little bit and got trapped too much.”
Truth be told, after just four wins in 14 games, it may be too late for anyone to hand the former Southampton boss the benefit of the doubt. There’s been more than one example of such a performance taking place when Rangers have kept all 11 players on the pitch.
Just where the Gers go from here is the big question. Reports before the Hibs victory last week mentioned the likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti as candidates to replace Martin, only for other headlines to suggest that he still has the full backing of the 49ers.
Now, after yet another defeat, Romano has provided an update about what he’s hearing from Ibrox on Martin’s future.
Romano provides Russell Martin sack update
According to Romano, Martin’s position at Rangers is now being assessed and those above the manager are contemplating whether to bring his Ibrox spell to an end. The reporter told GiveMeSport:
“Yes [his job is at risk]. It’s not an easy situation for him. He is under pressure, with his situation being assessed.”
With that said, another defeat at Livingston this weekend may well make Martin’s position simply untenable and force the 49ers into another managerial search so soon after hiring the 39-year-old.
Having his say on the matter, Rangers legend Ally McCoist told TNT Sport: “I just felt, coming into the stadium tonight, it kind of blew me away. It was nothing like a normal atmosphere of any game, never mind a European game, here at Ibrox.
“There was an apathy, there was no life about the place actually on or off the pitch, which is really, really concerning. Listen, the manager’s in trouble, the manager’s in big trouble because something has to change, and something has to change dramatically.”
The clock is certainly ticking on Martin’s tenure. Some are even suggesting that time is up, but the ball remains in the 49ers’ court as they continue to deliberate their options.