Exclusive: see what Southampton management vow to do If Southampton lose tonight…

Southampton face a crucial match on Monday night as they travel to Bournemouth for a Premier League clash. Russell Martin will be eager for his team to build on their first point of the season, earned in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. In that game, Tyler Dibling’s early goal was equalized in the final moments by a deflected shot from Sam Morsy. As the last fixture of the weekend, Southampton currently sit 19th in the table and know that a victory could lift them out of the relegation zone.

Russell Martin job could be under threat if Southampton lose to Bournemouth

Southampton were always expected to face challenges after promotion, but having just one point and only two goals in five league games is alarming. If the situation doesn’t improve soon, the club’s leadership might feel compelled to make a managerial change, potentially leading to Russell Martin’s departure from St Mary’s. In that case, Southampton could pursue Graham Potter, who has been unemployed since his Chelsea dismissal in April 2023. Potter, like Martin, favors a possession-based approach, but unlike Martin, he has proven success with this style in the Premier League. Being out of work for nearly 18 months might make Potter eager to take the opportunity and show that his difficult Chelsea tenure was merely a brief setback in his career.

Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana rates Graham Potter highly

One player who would likely welcome working with Graham Potter again is veteran Adam Lallana, who played under the former Swansea City manager at Brighton. It was Potter who transformed Lallana into a deep-lying midfielder, a role the 36-year-old thrived in during the recent match against Ipswich.

When Roberto De Zerbi’s departure from Brighton was announced at the end of last season, Lallana spoke highly of Potter, saying: “I don’t see why not [regarding Potter’s return]. Graham is a great manager and a great man. I think the job he did at Brighton was outstanding, and he laid the foundations for Roberto’s success.”

Lallana also believes that Potter’s Chelsea sacking shouldn’t affect how he’s viewed as a coach. “I think he [Potter] was hard done by at Chelsea. It might even make me think twice about going into management myself, seeing how quickly managers lose their jobs. It’s sad when managers aren’t given enough time. Change takes time, like anything in life.”

While Russell Martin will be aiming for a victory against Bournemouth to improve his position, if things don’t turn around, Potter could emerge as the ideal replacement.

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