Southampton manager Russell Martin has received a significant confidence boost as he prepares for talks with owner Dragan Solak about the club’s future plans, with GIVEMESPORT sources revealing that Martin retains the full support of his squad despite a challenging start to the Premier League season.
After securing promotion back to the top flight through the Championship play-offs, Southampton spent nearly £100 million on new signings during the summer transfer window. However, they have struggled to deliver positive results so far.
While a recent 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth has increased pressure on Martin, with some in the hierarchy divided on whether to replace him, he is still expected to lead the team for their upcoming match against Arsenal on Saturday.
Solak Concerned by Saints’ Poor Run of Form
Owner has stressed importance of maintaining top flight status
According to GMS sources, the Southampton squad does not want the management to make a change in leadership, although owner Dragan Solak is concerned about the team’s poor start to the season. Solak is expected to have discussions with Russell Martin during the upcoming international break to address the club’s future plans.
After Southampton’s recent defeat to Bournemouth, Martin publicly criticized his players, calling them “soft” and expressing his disappointment with their first-half performance. Despite this, the squad wants him to stay as they work towards improving their results.
Sources indicate that the entire Southampton squad understood and accepted Martin’s criticism following the loss, recognizing that they had let him down. The players continue to stand firmly behind him, as he is well-liked and respected within the team.
| Russell Martin’s managerial record at Southampton | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 62 |
| Won | 32 |
| Drawn | 12 |
| Lost | 18 |
| Goals for | 115 |
| Goals against | 92 |
| Statistics correct as of 03/10/2024 | |
Southampton’s owners recognize that adapting from the possession-heavy style that secured their Championship promotion to playing similarly in the Premier League was always going to be challenging. They understand that patience is required rather than making any rash decisions about the 38-year-old manager.
According to GMS sources, Solak has emphasized to Martin and other key figures the importance of staying in the Premier League for his long-term plans at the club. However, Rasmus Ankersen and Henrik Kraft, who handle day-to-day decisions, are not currently considering a change in the managerial position.
**GIVEMESPORT Key Stat**: Russell Martin faced Southampton seven times as a player, winning only once while losing four matches.
Martin Preparing Side for Important Fixtures
Trio of clashes pinpointed as crucial opportunities to secure points
According to GMS sources, Southampton have identified upcoming home matches against fellow struggling teams Leicester City and Everton, as well as an away game at Wolverhampton Wanderers, as crucial fixtures where they must secure points to ease speculation surrounding Russell Martin’s future.
There is an understanding within the club that Southampton need to defeat teams in similar positions to avoid an early return to the Championship, even at this stage of the season. Meanwhile, there is less pressure in their upcoming matches against title contenders like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Martin, who recently signed a long-term contract after a strong performance last season, is not at risk of being sacked in the immediate future, GMS sources report. Plans are already underway to sign a new attacking player to improve Southampton’s goal-scoring threat when the transfer window reopens.
Despite links to former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter following a series of disappointing results, Southampton’s hierarchy appears set to support Martin as they prepare for their upcoming clash with Arsenal.
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