Russell Martin: ‘If I felt players had given up I’d chat with the owners. I don’t feel that’
Premier League Museum Admin 
Russell Martin Manager
Despite Southampton’s current position at the bottom of the Premier League table with only one point, manager Russell Martin remains optimistic about his team’s belief in their system. Martin is encouraged by the players’ continued dedication and determination. Earlier this week, player James Bree shared insights into the team’s support for Martin, revealing that the squad harbors strong feelings for their manager and desires his continued leadership. James Bree expressed the importance of team morale under Martin’s guidance.
James Bree said “I think every win is good for the gaffer. We all love him in there. We want him to stick around because he does so much good stuff for us.”
Russell Martin, 38, communicated his appreciation and respect for his players.
Russell Martin said, “I’ve never felt at any point that there was unrest or that they were unhappy with what we’re giving them. I think they know that we’re giving everything we can. We really care about them. We treat them with as much love, care, respect and honesty as we possibly can. I love the players. It’s not changed from last season because we’re now losing. I have more love and respect for them now that they’re continuing to try and be who we want them to be. Honestly, perception and reality in football, I’ve said this so many times this season, but they can be very, very far apart. If I felt the team had given up a bit or lacked belief in what they were doing or had maybe lost a bit of belief in us and conviction, then I think I would be honest with myself. We’d probably have that chat with the owners and ourselves and say, look, we’re at that point. But I don’t think we’re anywhere near that. I’ve been in dressing rooms where it gets to that point and then it’s tough, really tough. But I don’t feel that. They are fighting so much for each other. They’re running so much for each other. They’re taking the ball in places people wouldn’t want to take the ball. So that’s all I can ever ask for them. I just really want them to win for them and for us and for the fans.”
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