Rangers' Europa League setback fuels calls for change as Genk defeat deepens scrutiny of Russell Martin

Rangers were defeated 1-0 by Genk in the Europa League, a result that stretched a troubling run to four losses in their past seven games under manager Russell Martin. The setback leaves the Glasgow club within striking distance of exit from the competition and adds to the growing pressure on Martin as questions about direction and belief persist at Ibrox. Their evening was defined by a red card, limited chances and a lack of intensity, underscoring a difficult start to a campaign that had promised more when Martin took charge.

Genk grabbed the initiative early and rarely relinquished it, with Rangers' progress impeded by Mohamed Diomande's first-half sending off for a reckless challenge that reduced them to 10 men. Even before the red card, Rangers had been erratic and lacked a sustained spell of control, a pattern that continued in the final third as they produced only two shots on target and 13 touches in Genk's penalty area. Jack Butland made a series of important saves to keep the scoreline within reach, but the numbers told a more ominous story for a side short on ideas and energy.

Former Rangers players and pundits spoke in blunt terms after the full-time whistle. Ally McCoist, a club legend, told TNT Sports that the manager is in trouble and that something must change dramatically. “The manager is in big trouble,” McCoist said. “Something has to change, and change dramatically. This can't go on for long. If people around the stadium don't support you, there's no point. I'm desperate for Russell Martin to turn things around but it looks miles off it.”

Inside Ibrox, Martin faced questions about the tone and tone-deafness of his post-match messaging. He spoke of belief in his project and insisted the team were not far away, but the delivery was markedly subdued compared with his usual bullishness. Former teammates and analysts noted a shift in his media approach, as well as a growing sense among some supporters that the club is losing momentum under his leadership.

The match produced further signs of a squad whose confidence is dented and whose attacking fluency remains a work in progress. Halliday, a former Rangers midfielder, questioned the claim that Rangers had been aggressive, saying on Sportsound that he did not see the aggression or the clear chances that would justify such a claim. Steven Thompson, alongside Halliday, described a growing mood of acceptance in Martin's post-match reflections and warned that energy and belief appeared to be draining away. Thompson added that there was a sense among former players that Rangers need to rediscover a fierce mindset to claw back relevance in European competition.

Derek Ferguson, a former Rangers midfielder, pointed to Diomande's red card as a turning point that compounded a night already facing uphill battles. Ferguson described the incident as a blow that undermined any momentum, a sentiment echoed by those watching the game unfold. In the closing stages, Rangers created few clear opportunities as Genk goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge remained largely untroubled, leaving many to question where the next lift will come from for a squad that has shown little in the way of inspiration or cohesion.

Fans have had their say as well. BBC Scotland asked supporters for their views, and the responses were laced with frustration and a sense of inevitability about a period of transition. One supporter urged Martin to step aside, while others demanded a deeper rethink at the top of the club and a more coherent plan on the pitch. Several pointed to the playing style as a drag on morale, arguing that possession without purpose and a lack of cutting edge are failing to engage the fanbase. Calls for accountability from the ownership group and a clear, ambitious path forward were common in the responses, reflecting a broader mood of discontent among those who invest not just emotion but money in the club.

The defeat to Genk follows a trend of mixed domestic results that have left Rangers under real scrutiny this season. Although domestic fixtures routinely offered the promise of a turnaround, the latest European setback has intensified a narrative that changes—whether in approach, personnel, or leadership—are needed sooner rather than later. As supporters weigh their next steps, the club faces a critical period in which tangible progress on the field will be weighed against the off-field conversations about direction, investment, and ambition. The questions now are not simply about a single game, but about a broader strategy to restore belief and competitiveness at Ibrox.

Given the scale of the scrutiny, the coming weeks will be pivotal. The club will need to articulate a clear plan that can unite players, staff and supporters, with results on the pitch that begin to demonstrate tangible progress. In the meantime, the voices of former players, pundits and fans alike make it clear that “change” is not a novelty but a necessity if Rangers are to regain their standing in Europe and restore the momentum of happier seasons past.