Russell Martin says Southampton’s owners “have been great” despite the club’s difficult start to the season.
Saints sit second bottom of the Premier League having taken just one point from their first eight games following promotion.
Speculation Martin’s position was under threat intensified after they squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to fellow top-flight newboys Leicester City last Saturday but Martin is confident he still has the backing of the board.
He said: “They have been great. Perception and reality are often very far apart in football. A lot of people made up that it was ‘do or die’ against Leicester City and that I would be sacked if we lost, but I’m still here.
“I have a really good relationship with the owners. We are trying to grow and build something, which is what we have done over the last 16 months or so. I will continue to do that with the best of my ability, with the same love and care that I have shown in the time that I’ve been here.
“Until I’m told otherwise, I will do that.”
Back on the road 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/OVSl6CEkrV
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 22, 2024
If Martin was hoping for some respite this weekend, he may be disappointed with Southampton’s next game being a trip to four-time defending champions Manchester City.
They will be without midfielder Will Smallbone, who is out “for a little bit of time”, while right-back Yukinari Sugawara will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
Striker Ross Stewart is sidelined once again.
