Martin and Brugge boss Nicky Hayen go back three years to when they were both managing in Wales
Russell Martin and Nicky Hayen before the friendly at Ibrox(Image: PA)
Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen has backed pal Russell Martin to handle the heat at Rangers.
But the Belgian says their three-year friendship will count for nothing at Ibrox this week as he looks to pile on the pressure by dumping him out of the Champions League.
Hayen and Martin got to know each other in 2022 when they were both managing Welsh clubs.
The Rangers gaffer was then at Swansea, while Hayen was in charge of minnows Haverfordwest County.
The pair struck up a relationship but didn’t actually get to meet each other until this season’s summer friendly between Brugge and Gers.
Now they’ll face off in a crunch £40million play-off tie.
Hayen rates Martin highly and expects him to succeed at Ibrox – but not before he’s got one over on him.
The Brugge coach said: “I like Russell very much. I was at Haverfordwest County when he was at Swansea.
“I wanted to visit Swansea for two days, which he allowed but we just couldn’t find the right date.
“We then arranged a friendly game between the two teams. It was scheduled but then I left to come to Brugge.
“We spoke a lot, texted a lot and stayed in touch. But we never actually met until he came to Rangers.
“We have a really good connection but tomorrow night that won’t count.
“He’s a great manager. If you see the results he got at Swansea and Southampton, that’s clear.
“This is a great step for him to come here. Of course, he’s got a lot of pressure but I’m sure he’ll deal with it.
“He’s a manager who has a certain style of play and it’s very clear how he wants to play – dominant, attacking football.”
(Image: SNS Group)
Hayen was in Glasgow last November when Brugge were terrific in the Champions League against Celtic – but only got a 1-1 draw.
After that experience, he says the Ibrox atmosphere won’t faze his players.
And as much as he thinks his team will get chances – he’s refusing to under-estimate Martin’s Rangers.
When asked about not getting what he deserved at Celtic and making sure it doesn’t happen again, he said: “Correct.
“Look, it’s difficult to compare the two teams (Rangers and Celtic). What they have in common is they play with a lot of intensity.
“It’s similar because they want to play offensive football and they’re supported by wonderful fans, which gives them a boost. But we showed at Celtic Park that we’re ready for every kind of atmosphere. We just have to play our own game.
“Do I see opportunities for us to take advantage of? Yes, of course.
“This game will be different from the friendly. Of course, we analysed the game and saw some patterns. But Rangers have bought some new players. They have more quality now. We have to be 100 percent ready for Tuesday night.”
Brugge defender Joaquin Seys says the Belgian champs believe they can grab a first-leg lead in Glasgow.
He said: “We’re confident and we play every game to win. We’re in good form and want to perform at our best. That’s what we’re going to do.
“I played at Celtic Park and it was a great atmosphere.
“I’ve heard many stories about here as well, it’s going to be crazy. But I’m excited to play here.”