Zürcher Nachrichten - Martin says Rangers remain supportive despite woeful start

Martin's side crashed out of the Champions League play-offs in midweek after a humiliating 6-0 defeat by Club Brugge.

The 9-1 aggregate loss left former Southampton manager Martin with just three wins in 10 matches since he took charge.

Rangers could fall nine points behind leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race if they lose to Brendan Rodgers' team at Ibrox this weekend.

Martin's men have drawn all three of their league games in their worst start to a season for 36 years.

Martin revealed he has spoken to chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who led the American consortium that acquired a controlling stake in Rangers in June, in the wake of the disastrous defeat to Brugge.

"I spoke to Andrew, just honest conversation, it has been from day one, nothing's changed and I didn't get any different feeling from them," he said.

"They've been great and really supportive and he'll be at training tomorrow as well, which was planned already.

"So I look forward to seeing him. We've had a lot of conversations here."

- 'Deliver a performance' -

A victory over Scottish champions Celtic would be a much-needed morale boost for Martin.

Insisting his relationship with his players is strong despite his public criticism of them, Martin called for a response to their wretched run.

"We can talk as much as we want, train as well as we want, but now we have to make sure we deliver a performance on Sunday," he said.

"I think this game was always going to be important for anyone.

"It's our fourth league game, the manner of defeat (in Belgium) makes everything feel terrible.

"We've qualified for the Europa League and we've got a chance to put things right on Sunday. All focus is on that after Wednesday night. It's about responding properly.

"I think the only way you get fans back on side is by winning football matches, simple as that, and there's no bigger game than this one."

Celtic have won the Scottish title 13 times in the last 14 seasons.

Ending that dynastic run was Martin's goal when he was hired in the close-season.

For now he would simply settle for adding to Celtic's own issues after Rodgers' side also slumped out of the Champions League, losing on penalties to Kairat Almaty.

"It's one of the biggest games in the world in terms of the interest and everyone involved," Martin said.

"That's the brilliant thing about football that after the disappointment in midweek you have the opportunity to put things right."

A.Weber--NZN