After a promising start to the 2023–24 campaign, Russell Martin’s Southampton club has struggled lately, and they are experiencing Championship teething troubles.
With three straight losses, they have come crashing back to earth after an excellent start to life following relegation, and cracks are beginning to appear.
Even if the gaps may have always existed, Sunderland, Leicester, and – to a far lesser extent – Ipswich have made them apparent.
Of course, some supporters are beginning to lose hope in the Martin Way.
With the personnel they have, even with injuries, the Saints shouldn’t have the worst defensive record in the division, that much is obvious. However, following a turbulent summer of upheaval
Is an even record after seven games for a team at practically every level really so bad?
Saints may have been a touch unlucky to have the three victories they do, as Russell Martin himself suggested, but just when we assumed they would continue to improve after the transfer window closed, things have turned out otherwise.
Russell Martin must provide results.
So, why is obviously the million dollar question. Furthermore, I doubt that the manager could comprehend each and every factor that affected each defeat, including every player’s motive, choice, or course of action. Player mistakes can be both mental and physical at any one time, much as human faults in general.
What is clear is that Martin is vigorously defending his players (which is excellent), taking full responsibility for his actions (also good), and also citing the “damage to confidence” some of the players have experienced as a result of the footballing car wreck at St. Mary’s from last season. That’s not healthy for me, and it needs to stop right away.
‘Some fans have even claimed that it is similar to Nathan Jones’ tirades once more, although it isn’t. The main distinction between the two in that sense is that Russell Martin is at least modest; he doesn’t constantly brag about his abilities or accomplishments. But if someone consistently uses the past as a justification for the present, he isn’t accepting responsibility for it.
He must instill confidence in the players so they can play effectively. He was appointed manager in order to advance Saints from where they were and make improvements.
Growing pains are unaffordable.
Currently, I believe he is a very excellent boss and a very decent person, which is equally essential to me. I like how he is principled about the type of game he wants to play, and I’m delighted the team is moving in the direction of developing a long-term playing style that is appealing.
I’ll also say that Martin and Jason Wilcox make a solid team because they have similar beliefs and operate the club’s football division well. Good.
But Southampton cannot continue to lose games and claim there has been substantial harm while experiencing growing pains, change, and learning late in the season. Russell Martin needs to see results as quickly as possible.
The club has a number of talented players. Could Martin still get success with a less ambitious style of play? Probably. Could he succeed in the near term with a simpler style of football? Probably. Can he? Most likely not.
And that’s not his fault because he was hired to usher in a new, progressive era at Saints. That is what he is attempting to achieve. Well done, he. He is balancing principle against pragmatism, which is problematic because everyone must support him.
I hope he has the time, but if the results start to improve quickly, I’ll be much more certain that he does. It is rare for managers to carry out a long-term vision. It would benefit the club greatly.
There are several talented players in the club. Would Martin still be successful if he played a less ambitious game? Probably. Could he succeed in the near future with a less complicated footballing approach? Probably. Can he? Probably not.
He was appointed to bring in a new, progressive age at Saints, therefore it’s not his fault. He is working toward achieving it. Good job, he. He is trying to strike a balance between principles and practicality, which is difficult because he needs everyone’s support.
I hope he has the time, but if the outcomes start to become better right away, the likelihood that he does will increase significantly. Managers seldom carry out a long-term vision. The club would gain a tremendous deal from it.
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