“SHOCKING MELTDOWN: Martin DESPERATELY PLEADS for Rangers to SACK HIM After DISASTROUS Hearts Decision – You WON’T Believe What He Did! [MUST-SEE]”
Russell Martin is facing a defining period that could decide his future as Rangers manager, and his fallout with Belgium international Nico Raskin may prove to be the decisive factor in whether he survives at Ibrox.
Raskin was again absent as Rangers suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Hearts on Saturday, with no indication that his return to the squad is imminent.
The midfielder had also been excluded from the goalless Old Firm derby before the international break, and Martin confirmed this week that the 24-year-old will remain sidelined until he earns back “trust” within the club.
Once considered one of Rangers’ standout performers, Raskin has managed only two Premiership starts this season.
Meanwhile, Martin is still chasing his first league victory as head coach, with pressure growing from all sides.
Raskin Shines on International Duty
The situation is made even more uncomfortable for Martin by Raskin’s form on the international stage.
During the September break, the midfielder scored his first goal for Belgium in a 6-0 demolition of Kazakhstan.
Operating in a midfield pivot alongside Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, Raskin reminded Rangers fans of the quality their side is currently missing.
His contribution underlined what Martin is risking by continuing the standoff.
Last season, Raskin produced five goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, widely regarded as one of the club’s most influential players. For many, the ongoing dispute could ultimately cost Martin his position.
Pressure Building on Martin
The Rangers boss has been under scrutiny since mid-August, when his side were humiliated in the Champions League qualifiers, suffering a crushing 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge.
That result left supporters furious, and the team’s domestic form has done little to improve the mood.
Rangers remain without a Premiership victory, drawing four of their first five league fixtures and collecting just four points.
With the transfer window now closed, Martin’s options to revive the squad appear severely restricted.
The uncertainty surrounding Raskin’s future only adds to the turbulence. Should the situation remain unresolved, the Belgian may have to wait until January to push for a move away, having already attracted interest from several European clubs during the summer.
However, if results fail to improve quickly, it may be Martin’s tenure at Ibrox that ends first.
