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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Blair Meikle

'A good manager' - Russell Martin gets surprise Rangers backing from rival boss

Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen has given Rangers rival Russell Martin his backing, insisting he is a capable manager who needs to be given time.

The pair are up against each other in their attempts to qualify for the Champions League, with Hayen coming out on top from the first leg and taking a 3-1 lead into Wednesday night's clash.

Martin is already under intense pressure weeks into his first season after league draws agsainst Motherwell, Dundee and St Mirren and said defeat to the Belgians.

Fans are losing patience with some already demanding a change. But Hayen is a fan of his opposite number and would like to see him afforded patience.


“They are growing again. It takes time. In a top club, and we see it also with us, you don't have the time to build.

“You need results. It depends on how calm the board is, whether they give you the time to build or not.

“Of course, the results are not in his favour at the moment but Russell is a good manager and he needs time. It is up to the club if they decide to give him the time or not.

“I hope they do from Saturday on - but not tomorrow! I like him very much, but not tomorrow.”

“I expect a team that has nothing to lose anymore,” Hayen said. “Like a little bit the second half, that they go all in, that they go full.

“Try to score as quick as possible to come again in the game. This is something that we have to be aware of. We want the players to be there from the first whistle.

“We are going to play our game like we did over there. Try to score that goal. Of course, as you said, the results are not in his favour.

“There is a big game coming up in the weekend against Celtic. We hope that we can score. This starts to plant some doubt. What is the most important? Go for the Champions League or winning the Old Firm?"

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