Russell Martin has come out in defence of his Southampton side following back-to-back, heavy losses at the hands of Leicester City and Sunderland.
In the Saints’ most recent game, against the Foxes, it took just 20 seconds before they were behind, thanks to a Jamie Vardy goal.
The issues were coming when building out from the back, losing the ball in dangerous areas and causing themselves problems.
There was also an un-clinical nature around Martin’s side as they had more shots on goal than their opponents but weren’t able to score enough.
It could be said, that on another day Leicester score less and the Saints score more and the result is different. But this wasn’t the case.
The overall feeling of the same also wasn’t helped by the red card for Kamaldeen Sulemana.
What has Russell Martin said?
Despite the recent poor form, the Southampton manager is keeping a cool head.
On that matter, he said: “We’re six games in. It’s been too many goals and I can’t get away from that, but I don’t care about the record after six games if it’s good after 46.”
The manager understands the fans’ issues with this situation, however.
When discussing the problem, he said: “It’s been frustrating and hurtful to concede that many. There are a few messages that we haven’t done well enough.”
The former Swansea City man knows where it’s going wrong.
“It’s when the ball gets beyond, we need to get together and more compact quicker, and then wait for the moment to go and steal the ball back.
“It’s in transition, we don’t have much chaos in our game but in those moments we do, we don’t defend it well enough.”
He believes his squad is getting better and will become a top side eventually.
Discussing his squad, he said: “That’s about mentality, getting together. It’s also consistency in the team and they will all be better for it eventually.”
In a positive piece of news for the Saints fans, he said: “I’m convinced the work we have done will result in us being really positive and really brave, and hopefully see us put in a good performance.”
Ipswich Town travel to St Mary’s next and the result needs to turn around.