Major Davide Ancelotti update as Russell Martin’s under-fire Rangers job rival discovers fate two months into new job

RUSSELL MARTIN finds himself under intense pressure three months into his reign at Rangers.

The man who he beat to the Ibrox job is having a rough time of things too.

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Rangers find themselves slap bang in the middle of a crisis.

Martin, appointed in June, has overseen a disastrous start to the season with the Gers failing to win any of their five Premiership matches so far.

That constitutes the Light Blues’ worst start to a league campaign for 47 years.

Many Rangers fans have seen enough and want Martin out.

X-rated chants calling for him to go echoed around Ibrox during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts while several fan organisations have called for him to be axed.

For now, club chiefs are sticking by the under-fire boss.

Another top contender for the Rangers job during the club’s search for Philippe Clement’s permanent replacement was Davide Ancelotti.

For a period, the son of legendary Italian boss Carlo was seen as the front-runner.

It then became a battle between Ancelotti and Martin, with the latter of course landing the gig.

Former Real Madrid assistant Ancelotti, 36, did land his first managerial role soon after.

In July, he was appointed manager of Brazilian club Botafogo.

Things initially got off to a good start but recent weeks have been a struggle.

Botafogo were dumped out of both the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Cup.

They’ve also failed to win their last couple of league matches.

The pressure has been mounting on Ancelotti and reports in Brazil suggested he was on the brink of being dismissed.

With Martin under pressure at Ibrox, Ancelotti’s situation put Gers fans on alert to his potential availability once again.

However, like Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh is doing with Martin, Botafogo’s own American supremo John Textor is BACKING Ancelotti.

RTI Esporte are reporting that Textor has “never considered” dismissing Ancelotti from his position.

The Italian has a contract running until the end of 2026.

Ibrox looks set to be toxic this weekend as Rangers face Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals.

Fan group the Union Bears are planning a protest against Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart outside the stadium before the game.

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