Southampton manager Russell Martin has labelled his side’s Premier League points tally “embarrassing” at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham.
The Saints are currently propping up the table with just five points from 15 games.
Their sole victory was a scrappy 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Everton. They drew with newly promoted Ipswich after conceding a late equaliser and also took a point away from Brighton last month.
But with more errors leading to goals than any other Premier League side (10), manager Russell Martin is coming under pressure for his team’s risky style of play.
Martin guided Southampton back to the top flight via the Championship playoffs last season – but it seems his good credit is starting to run out.
Russell Martin Press Conference: Southampton
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the trip to Spurs at the weekend, Russell Martin argued his side are better than their points tally suggests.
He said: “We shouldn’t be on the points that we are. It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points – we should have more.”
“But there have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven’t managed well.
“We have had disappointments in games and setbacks, but we have to keep trying to grow – to grow as a group, to grow individually and prepare the players for those moments when it is tough, and find ways for them to cope emotionally.”
Martin Backs Spurs Boss Ange Postecoglou
Like Russell Martin, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been taking flak from fans lately.
The Australian has been urged to change his playing style in the wake of recent poor results, something Martin is all too familiar with.
Martin added: “I get criticised for the same thing [as Postecoglou], about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it’s taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy.
“I can’t speak for him but we are also adapting. We adapt shape, approach, personnel, but with the same consistency about what is important for us, with the same concept of the game. We can’t deviate too far from that otherwise we become nothing, really.
“Everyone is just quick to criticise these days and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Southampton and Tottenham kick off at 7pm on Sunday evening.
