Rangers boss Russell Martin apologised to furious supporters after his team were annihilated by Club Brugge in their Champions League play-off tie.
Despite fans inside the stadium calling for him to be sacked, Martin insisted he had no fears for his job and claimed the Ibrox hierarchy were still ‘amazingly supportive’.
His team imploded at the Jan Breydelstadion after losing an early goal and seeing right-back Max Aarons sent off after eight minutes.
Trailing 5-0 by half-time, it proved to be a night of utter humiliation. The eventual six-goal margin was a record-equalling defeat for the club who now fall back into the Europa League draw.
Admitted it was the most embarrassing night of his managerial career, Martin said he can still turn things around heading into the Old Firm clash on Sunday.
Asked if he feared for his job, he replied: ‘No. Patrick (Stewart, chief executive) and Kevin (Thelwell, sporting director). I’ve had a chat with them already, and they are amazingly supportive.
Russell Martin looks on from sidelines after a 6-0 embarrassment for Rangers in Belgium
It was a night of sheer humiliation for the Rangers players as they crashed out of Champions League 9-1 on aggregate
Martin wanders around in a daze as his team have no answers for the Brugge onslaught
‘They understand this may take time. They knew that before we came in. They understand the club’s position.
‘I think we have to just feel the pain tonight, so that’s the message. There was so much self-inflicted pain. There’s no point dissecting the game after that when everyone’s emotions are high.
‘To the fans, I have nothing but an apology. I’m really sorry they had to witness that. It’s humiliating. It’s really painful. So I have nothing but disappointment.
‘I understand the fans’ frustration. I understand the disappointment. I understand their anger because they love this club.
‘They want to see a team they’re proud of. Even with 10 men, there wasn’t enough to be proud about tonight.’
Pressed on concerns about his job if the disastrous run continues, he added: ‘No. I don’t think we’re going to beat 6-0 again. I completely agree the manner of defeat is not acceptable and really hurtful. But I have no other choice but to keep working and keep focusing on what’s going to help us moving forward.
‘I don’t think I’ve learned anything new tonight. I’m just really hurt, really embarrassed by the defeat. It’s probably the toughest night I’ve had as head coach and manager.
‘But it doesn’t change the fact I think we can get this place going, we can get the team going, progress and grow.
It’s another humbling night in Rangers colours for Scotland defender John Souttar
Martin looks crestfallen as his team fail to put up any kind of fight in Belgium
Max Aarons is shown the red card after his moment of madness against Club Brugge
‘I have to take everything that’s thrown at me and so do the players, the group.’
Asked whether he needs to beat Celtic on Sunday, he replied: ‘Not to secure my job, I think we need to win to make ourselves feel better.
‘We need to win to make the fans feel better, to actually give them a performance to be proud of. So all the focus and energy now goes to that.
‘Now it’s about Sunday and making sure we respond in that way, by putting in a performance they can be proud of and makes us win the game.
‘I don’t think we could ask for a better game to move forward and to try to build some connection. Because, after tonight, it’s difficult, it’s damaging.’
Martin confirmed there was still a chance that midfielder Nico Raskin could leave the club before the transfer window closes on Monday.
The Belgian was dropped last night and has been continually linked with a move over the summer.
On the prospect of the midfielder leaving, Martin said: ‘Yeah, I think there are a few of the guys that there’s a bit of uncertainty around at the moment.
‘It’s really hard to build a team around people who are not convinced or not fully sure they will be here.’