New Delhi: Southampton have dismissed their manager, Russell Martin, following their loss against Tottenham Hotspur, which has now put them nine points behind the safety and are currently at the bottom of the table. The 38-year-old had helped Southampton’s promotion into the Premier League in the previous season but had managed to win only one game in the first 16 matches of top-flight English football.
In his final game as in charge, supporters of the club at St Mary’s were chanting for Martin’s exit after the side conceded four times in the opening 25 minutes and ended with a 5-0 thrashing from the Spurs. It marked their 13th loss in the league, with their only win in the season coming against Everton in November. Southampton have scored a league-low 11 goals.
🚨🔴⚪️ Southampton have fired the manager Russell Martin with immediate effect.
This follows 0-5 defeat against Spurs. pic.twitter.com/bmesiKDDVt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 15, 2024
In their statement, Southampton noted that they were aware that the season would be tough as they entered the Premier League, but they still needed to turn up and perform to their best ability. The club noted that they had been supportive of Russell and his staff and were “transparent” regarding the expectations. They concluded by thanking the former Scottish international and noted the urgency of turning the situation.
For now, U-21 manager Simon Rusk has been placed as the interim manager and will lead the side for the first time in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home, facing the Premier League table leaders Liverpool. Martin’s dismissal comes after Gary O’Neil was dismissed as the manager of Wolves earlier on Sunday.
Everyone had expected a complete turnaround in Southampton’s fortunes, but they went on to lose against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Martin’s preferred tactical plans and defensive errors were constantly in the spotlight of these losses. After the recent loss, Martin had noted that he would be fighting until he was told to leave. He also commented that the booing affected him less as a person and more as a manager.
Termination was always on the cards for Russell Martin
Martin’s termination was almost imminent given the club’s performance and also how other clubs have gone for managerial changes. Earlier in the season, Manchester United dismissed Erik ten Hag, followed by Steve Cooper’s dismissal from Leicester City. Martin was appointed in June 2023, having led Swansea City to two mid-table finishes in the Championship.
His main task back then was to take Southampton back to the Premier League, and he managed to do so with a win against Leeds United in the 2024 Championship play-off final. Despite nine signings in the summer, Southampton’s biggest trouble was their inability to score and their vulnerable defence, which made their goal difference glaring, leaving the fans and the owner of the club clearly frustrated.
Martin’s favoured style was always one of possession-heavy and passing out from the back. However, it became a reason for Southampton to hand over victories to their opposition with ease. While there is a big gap to bridge, their wish to stay at the top flight means they need a change in management that could extract more from their squad.
Southampton sacks Russell Martin as their manager, making him the fourth manager to be removed in this Premier League season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
