Russell Martin told exactly what he must do to avoid Rangers sack after dismal loss vs Club Brugge
Club Brugge were too good for Russell Martin and Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Ibrox hosted Club Brugge in the first leg of the European competition’s play-off on 19 August, as the Gers found themselves three goals down in the opening 20 minutes.
Danilo salvaged a goal for the Light Blues, but that was a mere consolation as Rangers fans seem to have already had enough of the Scottish manager.
While Ally McCoist wants to see Martin given a chance at the Light Blues despite the recent loss, he may not have much time left.
Rangers need to beat Celtic for Russell Martin to survive sack
Martin could potentially need a statement win in a meaningful game to secure his future at the Gers, Andy Newport says.
The Daily Record journalist believes many of the Ibrox faithful have already written the former Southampton boss off after what they’ve seen at the start of the season.
Newport suggested the Old Firm Derby against Celtic on 31 August may be influential for the 39-year-old head coach’s survival at the Glaswegian outfit.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 19 August, the journalist said: “I think he needs a win, a statement win and a performance, and he needs it quick. Even a win at St Mirren, even if he can salvage some pride somehow next week in Brugge, that may buy him some time. But if he loses the Old Firm game, I think a lot of them have already written him off.
“I think a lot of people have already made their minds up, and those that haven’t might be persuaded if he can’t dig out a meaningful win in a meaningful game.”
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Martin was out of his depth against Brugge
Martin looked clueless at Ibrox against Brugge, who certainly ripped apart the Gers’ defence in the first half.
While the Scottish manager undoubtedly needs time to implement his style of play, the Light Blues’ initial displays haven’t shown much promise.
The players must take some responsibility for the Glaswegian outfit’s poor displays, but the buck stops at the 39-year-old head coach.
| Statistics | Rangers | Brugge |
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| xG | 1.26 | 1.01 |
| Total shots | 15 | 10 |
| Shots on target | 1 | 7 |
| Keeper saves | 4 | 0 |
Martin feels Rangers can make a comeback against the Belgian club in the second leg on 27 August at the Jan Breydel Stadium, but that seems far-fetched.
The Gers look destined for the Europa League at the moment, and the Scottish manager should now focus on turning the tide in the William Hill Premiership.
After failing to get a win in the opening two league games, the St Mirren and Celtic clashes could potentially be monumental for the manager in G51.
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