Alex McLeish absolutely wrong about Russell Martin sack despite ‘boring’ Rangers claim
Russell Martin has clearly shown that he isn’t the right person to lead Rangers.
The Gers have drawn their opening four games of the league campaign, their worst start in 42 years, and the Scottish manager has to take responsibility for it.
Kevin Thelwell can’t continue to justify Martin’s appointment unless things change drastically at the Light Blues in the coming weeks.
The 39-year-old head coach’s situation at the Glaswegian outfit arguably became untenable after the 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off, their joint worst defeat in Europe.
Rangers told not to sack Russell Martin by Alex McLeish
It’s too early for the Gers to sack Martin after 11 games in charge, Alex McLeish says.
Despite admitting that the former Southampton boss’ style of play can get “boring” at times, the ex-Gers manager wants to see him given more time at Ibrox.
McLeish feels Martin’s plans at the Glaswegian outfit may hinge on the quality of players at his disposal, but he was backed with 13 new additions to the team last summer.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer on 9 September, the Scotsman said: “Absolutely. It’s very early days to consider sacking the guy, and Martin has got plans. And I hope he has the players that are able to fulfil that plan because if you don’t have the quality of player to do that, then that is where the problem will come in for him.
“That’s really evident if you’re going to play the passing game from the back and get to the centre circle, and then you’re forced back. It really becomes quite intense and obviously boring at times.”
The Light Blues have won just three games under Martin this season, and the consistently poor performances arguably don’t warrant his continuity in G51.
Read More: Russell Martin to get Andrew Cavenagh phone call after massive mess
Russell Martin sack: Kevin Thelwell has some interesting candidates for replacements at Ibrox
Jose Mourinho could potentially grace the Ibrox dugout soon, with the Portuguese manager without a job after leaving Fenerbahce.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss is a proven winner, and his track record of winning trophies will certainly make him a favourite among the Gers’ supporters.
Mark van Bommel was also a candidate at Ibrox, as the ex-Bayern Munich and Barcelona star admitted to holding talks regarding the vacancy at the Light Blues before Martin’s appointment.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
Rangers were heavily linked with Davide Ancelotti after Barry Ferguson’s departure, but the Italian head coach is now in charge of Botafogo.
Steven Gerrard is another obvious candidate who will undoubtedly be in the headlines if the Gers need a new manager, considering his previous connection with them.
For now, Martin has the reins at the Glaswegian outfit, but it remains to be seen how long he can stay in charge.
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