“`html
This video can not be played
‘Hopefully it’s not about me’ – Russell Martin on pressure
Saturday marked a day that began with fervent protests against Russell Martin yet concluded with a step forward for Rangers.
Earlier in the day, bed sheets emblazoned with criticism of the Rangers head coach were displayed in public demonstrations. “Russell out – worst manager in history” was a common sentiment.
Posters bearing his image, along with that of chief executive Patrick Stewart, were prominently displayed as supporters voiced their discontent outside Ibrox. Inside the stadium, objects were thrown onto the pitch, and banners were unfurled, deliberately delaying the match to highlight their grievances.
The subsequent 2-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Hibernian, while routine, offered some measure of relief to Martin amidst the turmoil.
However, with over 15,000 seats unoccupied and protests continuing, including a banner displayed even as the team led, this brief respite may only serve to intensify the pressure rather than alleviate it.
Visit our Rangers page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views
Get Rangers news notifications in the BBC Sport app
Martin has remained resolute despite facing considerable criticism.
Chairman Andrew Cavanagh, who met with Martin on Friday, was present at the match, while many Rangers supporters chose to abstain. Among those who attended, a significant number began the evening by expressing their discontent at the stadium’s entrance.
Since his arrival, Martin has faced immense pressure. The intensity of the Old Firm spotlight can be overwhelming, yet he has maintained composure.
He has already navigated a player reportedly refusing to play, a humbling European defeat, the club’s worst domestic league start since 1978, and an ongoing issue with a key player.
When Martin Boyle’s shot nearly gave Hibs an early lead on Saturday, the palpable tension at Ibrox was evident.
However, a handball by Boyle led to the goal being disallowed, altering the course of the match.
Twenty-eight minutes later, Rangers left the field with a comfortable two-goal advantage.
Martin finds himself in a precarious position.
A notable subplot during Martin’s tenure has been the situation surrounding Nico Raskin.
The Belgian midfielder was excluded from the team prior to the international break and remained absent for the 2-0 defeat against Heart of Midlothian, despite scoring for his country. Fans questioned his absence, especially considering his strong performance last season.
On Saturday, Raskin returned and excelled, scoring the opening goal and consistently troubling the Hibs defense. His skillful play provided a spark that Rangers have lacked during their winless league start.
“I think I gave him a role today that really suits him and freed him up a little bit and I think he was fantastic,” Martin said, before being asked if he regretted not playing him against Celtic and Hearts.
“You have to make a decision as a coach that you think is best for the team at the time.
“Circumstances and situations very often happen within clubs that can’t come out.
“It might be a necessary part of Nico’s growth, or our growth as a team, and today was part of a team that was so together, so committed and so brave to take the ball and I thought he was outstanding.”
Russell Martin and Nico Raskin embraced as the midfielder was substituted
Examining the match statistics reveals Raskin’s impact.
Against Hearts, Rangers had the same number of shots and a similar number on and off target.
However, Raskin’s presence facilitated smoother play, created space, and posed a constant threat until his substitution in the 87th minute.
He received a handshake and embrace from his manager on the touchline, followed by applause from the remaining fans.
“We have to look forward and build on that,” Raskin told Premier Sports. “Everything hasn’t been perfect. I didn’t enjoy parts of it, the manager didn’t enjoy parts of it.
“Now we have had a good chat and hopefully we can work together and have a good spell together.
“It’s not about me or the manager. It’s about the club and how we move forwards, how we win games. The season is still very long, we have loads to play for.”
Raskin’s assessment is accurate.
Despite the turmoil and fan discontent, Rangers are potentially two games away from securing silverware.
Following a disappointing Champions League play-off exit against Club Brugge, the Europa League offers a familiar opportunity. This competition could provide solace and potentially be viewed as a positive development for the club. Their next challenge is against Genk on Thursday.
Europa League success could alleviate the pain of their Champions League failure, as it has for Rangers teams in the past.
Rangers fans protested outside Ibrox pre-match
However, the primary concern remains the significant points deficit in the league. Martin took his team up Connic Hill midweek, but the Premiership mountain is much higher.
Currently, they are 11th, trailing Celtic and Hearts by nine points after just five games.
Up to this point, the deficiencies of Brendan Rodgers’ side will have been the biggest source of comfort to Rangers fans as they scramble about at rock bottom, rather than early flickers of life from their own team.
History suggests that Rodgers will eventually unlock the potential of his team, a proven trophy-winning machine that has struggled recently. Martin’s team must begin their ascent now to avoid falling further behind their rivals.
However, against a Hibs team who have received plenty of praise both domestically and in Europe already this season, the home side never looked in danger after taking the lead. It was a rare moment of comfort for Martin.
In conclusion, protests made way for progression for the Rangers head coach. For the support, more days like these will need to follow if they are going to acknowledge progress.
“`