Southampton Manager Martin Unfazed by Pressure as Team Eyes Premier League Redemption

Southampton manager Russell Martin has brushed off criticism following three Premier League losses, highlighting a similar start last season that ended in promotion. Martin emphasized loyalty to players who helped the club while recognizing the need for changes. Southampton are set to face Manchester United this Saturday.

Southampton manager Russell Martin said he did not feel any pressure following criticism of his side's performances after starting with three Premier League losses, having endured something similar when he took over at the club last year.

Martin took the Saints job after they were relegated from the top flight in 2023 and did not have the ideal start when they lost four games in a row early in the Championship season. However, Southampton turned things around to finish in the playoff spots before beating Leeds United in the second-tier playoff final at Wembley in May to win promotion.

"It's the job, I don't enjoy it, it's not a problem. It doesn't overwhelm me one bit," Martin told reporters on Thursday.

Southampton, who are second-bottom with no points after three games, will host 14th-placed Manchester United on Saturday. Martin said his side are still coming to terms with the 'level of competition' in the Premier League and added that there would be changes even as he tries to stay loyal to the players who helped the club get promoted. "After three defeats, there inevitably will be changes. How many - you'll have to wait and see and who. It's such a difficult position because I feel fiercely loyal to players who have got us into the Premier League," he said. "So I have to balance that loyalty from what they did last season to what some of them are actually doing now and the place they are in right now."

(With inputs from agencies.)