Russell Martin admitted his Rangers side suffered humiliation in Belgium. The six-goal defeat to Club Brugge left him calling it the toughest night of his career. He apologised directly to supporters and described the experience as painful and embarrassing.
The 6-0 loss meant Rangers exited the Champions League play-offs with a 9-1 aggregate score. The former Scotland defender accepted the result as a damaging blow but insisted he has no fears about his job.
Martin promised to use the humiliation as motivation. He said the squad must grow stronger and move forward despite the brutal setback.
Rangers fall apart in early collapse
Martin surprised many with his team selection. Captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin started on the bench. The coach defended the decision before kick-off, saying he wanted the freshest and most attacking team possible.
That plan disintegrated within minutes. Nicolo Tresoldi scored early and right-back Max Aarons was sent off soon after. Martin described the start as madness and blamed his players’ poor response to setbacks.
He had promised lessons from the first-leg defeat in Glasgow. Instead, his team trailed by five at half-time and conceded a sixth just after the restart. Martin admitted he doubts they will ever lose 6-0 again.
Former striker brands the night embarrassing
Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds predicted trouble as soon as Brugge scored their second. He told a radio audience the match could become embarrassing. Minutes later, he admitted Scottish fans were witnessing Rangers being ripped apart. By the end, Dodds confessed he struggled to find words.
The Belgian side finished with 32 shots, 26 of them inside the Rangers penalty area. They recorded 70 touches in the opposition box. Rangers managed none.
Fans lose faith as derby approaches
The focus now turns to Sunday’s first Old Firm derby against Celtic. Many fans, however, no longer want Martin in charge. The manager said squad harmony has been disrupted but believes he can turn the season around.
He insisted the club’s hierarchy accepts progress may take time. Martin stressed the humiliation must fuel improvement. He called the defeat unacceptable but said he has no option but to continue working.
He shouldered responsibility and demanded his players do the same. He believes Sunday’s result will not decide his future but will decide how the fans feel. “We need to win to give them pride again,” he said.
