Russell Martin ‘expects to be sacked by Southampton’ after dig at fans
Russell Martin appears as though he knows what is coming by preparing himself to be sacked by Southampton after his reaction to his side’s defeat to Aston Villa.
Following their promotion back to the Premier League at the end of last season the Saints have found life difficult on their return to the top-flight.
They sit bottom of the table after taking just five points from their 15 league games so far meaning they are already eight points from safety.
Plenty of Southampton fans have already been left calling for Martin to go because of that, and it seems the 38-year-old may now feel there is a possibility they will get their wish sooner rather than later.
Russell Martin may be resigned to his Southampton fate with latest comments
Individual errors stemming from the Saints boss’ persistence with playing out from the back have been hugely costly for his side this season.
That was again the case against Villa on Saturday, when Jhon Duran robbed Taylor Harwood-Bellis in possession on his way to scoring the only goal of the game.
With Martin again being asked about Southampton fans criticising that approach after the game, he seemingly took aim at those supporters.
Speaking to BBC Solent Sport (0:46), the Saints boss appeared to hit out at the travelling fans, making a point that the goal came “within about ten seconds” of fans cheering when the team had kicked long instead of his favoured method.
The fact he is issuing those digs would seem to suggest he is not all that concerned about maintaining a relationship with supporters, given he may feel that he will not need to have one for much longer.
Martin also appeared as though he may be aware that a change could be made, admitting it is “not in my control” over whether or not the Southampton board continue to keep him on as manager, also going on to note that “it is what it is”.
As a result, while he did also admit that he would like to remain at St Mary’s, suggesting he has not fully given up hope just yet, it does seem as though the 38-year-old is aware that he is now in a position where many – including himself – would not be surprised if he was gone, responding to another question about January transfer plans to say they haven’t change and “I hope I’m still here”.
Given the perilous position the Saints find themselves in, many fans at St Mary’s clearly already seem to be hoping that Martin’s seemingly increasing acceptance of his fate is indeed accurate.
In other news, Southampton are planning to terminate one player’s loan deal amid West Ham talks.
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