Southampton manager Russell Martin has said he is ‘as angry as anyone’ but has come out and defended his players from criticism from Saints fans.
Saints drew 1-1 at home to Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon, in what was a frustrating result after the home side ended the game with 80% possession and registering ten shots on target.
Plenty of the home support were criticising the players after the game, but Martin was quick to stand up for his players.
Russell Martin defends players from fan criticism
Martin explained to the Daily Echo: “It’s frustrating but it shouldn’t even come to that. It’s been a good week but the overriding feeling is anger and frustration that we haven’t won that game.
“Anyone watching that game and looking at the stats will see that we should win that game, but we don’t.
“There is frustration and we should have had nine points from nine and everyone is feeling really positive, but instead it’s seven and I’m frustrated for everyone.
“A guy at the end booing and going absolutely crazy, one of our supporters, I understand there is frustration when you’ve just watched such a dominant performance and not won.
“But I am not sure the players deserved the vitriol so I said something to him, I think it’s important to recognise it’s been a good week.
“We recognise we should have won but we are moving forward for sure. I am as frustrated and angry as anyone that we haven’t.
“It’s not everyone and hopefully most people will have enjoyed their team being so dominant but I know this game is outcome-based and that’s the only thing that matters.”
Martin added: “If we win three or four nil, everyone is going home purring about the performance but that’s the fine line. It’s our fault and it shouldn’t happen.
“We have to use the pain from that moment to really drive on. Saturday should have been three points and a brilliant week that we really enjoyed.
“It’s heat of the moment but it was pretty angry – it’s not a big deal and the players didn’t deserve it but trust me, I’m feeling more angry than he is.
“Sometimes you have to stick up for your players but I am really annoyed. You don’t have any given right to beat anyone but I understand the frustration today.
“The crowd have been great in the last week and we are going to need everyone to really come together, we have a chance to progress when we come back.”