Russell Martin sack: ‘Crazy’ Southampton update today
Russell Martin will “never” change his philosophy despite the “crazy” goals Southampton keep conceding, says Michael Dawson.
The Saints have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League since their promotion, sitting at the bottom of the table.
Martin has faced heavy criticism for not adapting his tactics, with fans increasingly frustrated with the 38-year-old, and Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that while no managerial change is imminent, the club is making plans to replace the manager.
Sky Sports pundits have voiced their opinions on his philosophy. Former Hull City defender Michael Dawson claimed the Saints boss wouldn’t change it “in a million years”.
Regarding their recent form, Dawson said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (1.13pm): “Oh my word, disastrous. And people said, ‘would Russell Martin change his philosophy?’ No chance, because it brought him success last year. It’s brought him success throughout his career”.
Host Simon Thomas suggested that prioritises “brand Russell Martin” over the club’s immediate needs.
Dawson then added: “It didn’t start great for him [at St. Mary’s], but he stuck to his principles, stuck to the way he wanted to play, playing out from the back, putting the ball at risk. At times you’re putting your hands on your head thinking ‘Woah, you’re just getting away with it.’
“Then they went on an unbeaten run of 24 or 25 games, got promoted in the play-offs. And was he gonna change? Never in a million years. I listened to his press conference yesterday, backing his own ability and his process.
“But ultimately, you give some of the goals away that they have given away, I mean, it’s just crazy”.
Martin stubborn tactics could cost him Southampton job
The South Coast club has scored just 11 goals this season and won only one game.
Despite growing impatience among the fanbase, Saints chiefs have major reservations about making a managerial change.
This hesitation likely stems from the success Martin’s tactics brought last season, winning 28 of 49 Championship games.
However, the current form must improve drastically if they want to avoid relegation back to the second division.
It seems increasingly like the former Scotland international knows he won’t be in this job for much longer and is going through the motions until his bosses pull the plug.
They still have a Carabao Cup quarter-final to play, and stranger things have happened if the club pull off an upset against Liverpool, but it would be a stunning turnaround for fortunes to improve overall and vindicate the manager.
In other news, Tyler Dibling is attracting interest from “major” clubs.
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