Russell Martin insists Rangers board still backing him despite 1-0 loss to Genk | OneFootball

Rangers continued their miserable start to the 2025/26 campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Genk in their Europa League curtain raiser.

The Gers were condemned to their fourth defeat in their last seven games across all competitions, with a 55th-minute goal from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu enough to separate the two sides.

Russell Martin’s side were forced to play over an hour with 10 men after Mohamed Diomande was sent off towards the end of the first half.

After their 2-0 win against Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup, Rangers were hoping to record back-to-back victories for the first time under Martin’s leadership.

However, they were second-best for the majority of the game.

The scoreline also flattered their uninspiring performance, with the Belgians spurning numerous decent chances to increase the margin.

Martin believes the red card changed the game, but still praised his side’s performance.

“The red card changed the game a lot,” Martin said (via BBC). “I was looking forward to getting to half-time and getting a few key points across.

“We didn’t look after the ball anywhere near well enough. We looked like we were getting a bit of control back, but then [Mohamed] Diomande gets sent off.

“I’m frustrated, the red card changed a lot, but I’m proud of the players in the second half. I thought we had some really good performances.”

The defeat means Martin has overseen just four wins from 14 games this season.

The Scottish Premiership giants are sitting 11th in the table after taking just four points from a possible 15, and there’s already a nine-point gap to league leaders and defending champions Celtic.

The latest defeat against Genk has once again left the club faithful frustrated with Martin’s leadership.

However, the former Southampton manager believes he still has the backing of the board despite ongoing speculation about his long-term future.

“I don’t think the game tonight, when we were down to 10 men for so long, changes that,” he said. “I feel nothing but support from them.”

Rangers will hope to get back to winning ways when they visit Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.